Launch of the UK Soft Power Council
On January 15, 2025, the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced the launch of the UK Soft Power Council. This advisory board is designed to drive UK growth and security by leveraging the country’s soft power assets.
Objectives and Membership
The UK Soft Power Council, comprising 26 members, aims to strengthen the UK’s international influence and reputation. The council will serve as a key advisory body to the UK government, focusing on enhancing cooperation between government and non-governmental soft power actors.
This initiative builds on the recommendations of the UK Soft Power Group’s report, “The Future of UK Soft Power: Building a Strategic Framework,” which emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to soft power.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The establishment of the UK Soft Power Council is expected to have significant economic and strategic implications. By fostering greater collaboration between government and soft power actors, the council will help the UK maintain its competitive edge in the global arena.
This includes promoting the UK’s cultural sectors, educational institutions, and other soft power assets that contribute to its international standing.
Statistics and Initiatives
- The council will support initiatives such as the GREAT Britain campaign and the work of the British Council to promote cultural exchanges and trade.
- The UK government has increased investment in the GREAT campaign to attract world-class events and open up new markets.
- The council will work towards creating a light-touch Strategic Relationship Management System to enhance connectivity between soft power actors and overseas posts.
Leadership Response
The UK Soft Power Group has analysed the UK soft power landscape and offers practical ways of working together across sectors and the whole of the UK to look after our assets and enhance the mechanisms for “doing” soft power.
Mona Lotten, Head of Soft Power Research and Insight at the British Council.
The UK Soft Power Group advocates a collaborative approach that the UK Soft Power Council is now implementing.
Progress and Targets
- The council will work towards establishing a Government-soft power engagement forum to aid connectivity and strategic thinking between Whitehall, devolved administrations, and independent soft power actors.
- A Minister responsible for soft power will be recognised as the cross-Government Soft Power Champion, supported by a team for targeted strategic interventions.
- The council aims to agree on planning horizons, resources, and funding mechanisms between government and soft power actors to maximise their contribution to the UK’s international objectives.
Soft Power Council’s Regional Impact
The UK Soft Power Council’s initiatives will have a positive impact on various regions and sectors across the UK. For instance, the promotion of cultural institutions and educational sectors will benefit local communities by enhancing their global visibility and attracting international collaborations.
The launch of the UK Soft Power Council marks a significant step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its international influence. The country will strengthen its international influence by leveraging its soft power assets more effectively.
Broader Significance
In an increasingly polarised world, the UK’s strategic focus on soft power is crucial for maintaining its position as a respected and influential global actor.
The UK Soft Power Council will play a vital role in ensuring that the UK’s soft power continues to support its domestic and international strategic goals, contributing to its reputation as a ‘force for good’ on the global stage.
