The government has been urged to increase its use of sport and the wider culture sector to enhance global soft power. Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, criticised the government for the infrequent meetings of its Soft Power Council.
The council has met only four times since its launch, with Secretary of State Lisa Nandy attending two of these meetings. It has not convened for almost a year.
Dame Caroline highlighted the economic contribution of these sectors, stating that sporting events like the Premier League and Wimbledon, alongside cultural events such as Glastonbury and the Chelsea Flower Show, are globally recognised and generate billions for the UK economy. Sport England reports the sport and physical activity sector contributes approximately £100bn to the UK economy.
The Gosport MP added that the government must urgently collaborate with the arts, culture, and events sectors to maximise the UK's soft power potential.