British Council
Debate between Lord Ricketts and Lord Lemos
Lord Lemos (Lab)
As the noble Lord knows, soft power extends far beyond the Government, the British Council and, indeed, the BBC World Service to many other sectors—higher education, the creative industries and so on. The Soft Power Council had an independent review under Minister Elmore. Let me be clear that what is needed in the Soft Power Council is better co-ordination and more focus across all the different sectors, not just for the British Council and for the BBC World Service. That is what Minister Elmore will take forward.
Lord Ricketts (CB)
My Lords, over a long diplomatic career, I have seen a lot of the British Council’s work around the world and just how respected it is as a torch-bearer for British culture and education around the world. Is it true that the British Council has to dispose of properties and close down in a number of countries in order to deal with financial pressures? Is that really in the interest of British soft power?
Lord Lemos (Lab)
The British Council regularly reviews its estate, and it will continue to do so. The issue of soft power and Britain’s international reputation is about outcomes; it is not only about property. I have no doubt that, as part of the turnaround plan—and I will be straightforward about this—the British Council will have to review its estate, but it will continue to do its excellent work on cultural relations.