Lords Committee on Soft Power to hear from Lord Mayor of London and multinational companies

The Committee is looking into the role of soft power in international relations and how the UK can better develop and exploit its soft power resources to promote British interests.

With the first set of witnesses, who have significant experience in selling British goods and services in foreign countries, the Committee will look at whether there are any advantages in being British for UK companies doing business overseas.  The Committee will also consider the impact that trade visits such as the recent visit of the Chancellor to China have on UK exports.

In the second session, with the Lord Mayor of London, the Committee will explore why London has become so attractive to the financial services industry, what role the Lord Mayor plays in developing British soft power abroad, and whether there has been an increase in protectionist economic policies in response to globalisation. 

3.40 pm

• John Barry, Country Chair, Abu Dhabi, Shell
  
• Gilly Lord, Partner, Head of Regulatory Affairs, PwC
  
• Stephen Pattison, Vice President, Public Affairs, ARM
  
• David Stanley, CEO, Penspen International

5.00 pm     

• Roger Gifford, Lord Mayor of London

The evidence sessions will start at 3.40 pm on Monday 4 November in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.

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.