Lords Committee on soft power and the UK's influence to open inquiry
The House of Lords Committee on Soft Power and the UK's Influence will next week open its inquiry by taking evidence from senior Government officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for International Development.
This initial evidence session will see the Committee question the witnesses on the Government's view on soft power and whether it is a priority for the UK in foreign affairs. Some of the areas they will cover include:
- What is the Government doing to leverage the UK's influence overseas to support our commercial and economic interests?
- How do Government departments work together to promote the UK's interests abroad?
- How is the Government taking advantage of the UK's relationship with Commonwealth countries?
Giving evidence to the Committee will be:
- Maddalaine Ansell – Head of the International Knowledge & Innovation Unit (Global), Department for Business, Innovation and Skills;
- Hugh Elliott – Director of Communication and Engagement, Foreign and Commonwealth Office;
- Barbara Hendrie – Deputy Director, Global Partnerships Department, Department for International Development;
- Andrew Mitchell – Director of Prosperity Directorate, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and
- Keith Nichol – Head of Philanthropy and Fundraising Department for Culture, Media and Sport
The evidence session will take place at 4.05pm on Monday 10 June in Committee Room 1.
The session will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.
