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UK Ministers Risk Global Influence by Cutting Soft Power Funding

6/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

UK ministers are under fire for sidelining vital soft power institutions such as the BBC World Service and the British Council, both struggling financially. Experts caution that slashing their funding could diminish Britain's global clout, particularly as rivals like China ramp up their investments. Urgent action is needed in upcoming spending reviews to safeguard these cultural pillars.

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Story summary

UK ministers are under fire for sidelining vital soft power institutions such as the BBC World Service and the British Council, both struggling financially. Experts caution that slashing their funding could diminish Britain's global clout, particularly as rivals like China ramp up their investments. Urgent action is needed in upcoming spending reviews to safeguard these cultural pillars.