Written question asked by Wendy Morton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 25 April 2025. It was answered by Catherine West (Labour) on Thursday, 1 May 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

UK Soft Power Council: Science and Technology

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the UK Soft Power Council at utilising UK science and technology.

Answer: The Soft Power Council is now operational but still in an early phase of developing its work. The Council includes several individuals with expertise spanning science, technology, education and research, in recognition of the importance of these themes to UK foreign policy impact. The Council's geographic working groups are considering how to harness the UK's strengths in science and technology. The contribution of these sectors will also be considered as part of development of the new Government strategy on soft power over the coming months.

Secondary information