UK Launches Soft Power Council to Boost Global Influence

Key Points

• The Soft Power Council has 26 members from the arts, culture and foreign policy.
• The council will meet four times a year to discuss strategies for promoting the UK globally.
• UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced £60 million in funding for the creative industries .
• This initiative aims to strengthen the UK's international relationships and partnerships.
• The royal family is seen as a key asset in the UK's soft power strategy.

The UK has launched an ambitious new cultural diplomacy initiative, with the creation of the Soft Power Council. The strategic body aims to strengthen the country’s cultural exports and creative industries to increase its global influence. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed that soft power is crucial to maintaining the UK’s global status and addressing current challenges. She announced £60 million in funding for the creative industries.

A Strategic Council for Cultural Diplomacy

The 26-member Soft Power Council embodies the government’s commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy as a key pillar of its international strategy. The new body will be tasked with maximising the impact of Britain’s cultural assets, improving perceptions of the country abroad and strengthening international relations.

The UK's cultural exports, which have grown by 20% in five years, play a key role in the country's global reputation.

A Remarkable Economic and Cultural Impact

The creative industries sector is a major economic driver. In 2019, it contributed £111.7 billion to the UK economy, accounting for 5.8% of GDP and employing almost 2 million people. Furthermore, cultural exports reached £36 billion in 2019, cementing the UK’s position as the world’s second largest cultural exporter, behind the US.

Britain’s museums, theatres and other cultural venues attract over 40 million visitors each year, generating significant economic benefits for local communities. With annual growth estimated at 2.8% between 2020 and 2025, the creative industries will continue to play a key role in the country’s economic prosperity and cultural influence.

Soft Power as a Pillar of International Politics

The UK ranks third in the world in soft power according to the Institute for Government’s ‘Soft Power 30’ ranking. Research has shown that 35% of international perceptions of the UK improve as a result of public diplomacy initiatives, while 70% of respondents agree that cultural diplomacy strengthens relationships between nations.

To meet the challenges of the contemporary world, the Soft Power Council will strive to integrate modern technologies and new approaches into cultural diplomacy. By effectively using its cultural assets, the UK hopes not only to enhance its global status, but also to contribute to international stability and prosperity.