John Baron MP presses Prime Minister on Integrated Review and Soft Power

MP welcomes increase in defence spending

Today in the House of Commons the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, gave an update on the Integrated Review into Britain’s international engagement. The Prime Minister announced the largest boost to our country’s defence in the last 30 years, investing an extra £24 billion in our national security and creating thousands of jobs across the UK. This delivers and surpasses the Conservatives’ manifesto commitment to exceed the NATO defence spending target of 2% of GDP, by providing an extra £16.5 billion in funding above our 2019 commitment.

In the Chamber, John asked,

“This announcement is extremely welcome and one, as an ex-soldier, I know will be well-received by our superb Armed Forces. The Prime Minister will know that the Integrated Review offers the opportunity to consider Britain’s foreign policy assets in the round, including its world-class soft power capabilities. Can he therefore confirm that when the Review is published, it will reflect the recommendations of the recent British Council APPG report and include a soft power strategy at its core, as well as a central role for Britain’s primary soft power assets, including the British Council?”

The Prime Minister responded that John was right to highlight the importance of soft power, and that Britain is a soft power superpower thanks to the British Council and other assets. A robust and confident defence policy will lead to greater soft power.

John said afterwards,

“I welcome this substantial increase in defence spending and capabilities, which demonstrates that Britain remains fully committed to its international capabilities and engagement. In addition to this ‘hard power’, it is vital that Britain also invests in its soft power capabilities, such as the British Council, and I am pleased the Prime Minister recognises this. I will await the outcome of the Integrated Review with interest.”