The British Council has been asked to prepare spending plans that could lead to its closure in up to 60 countries, a direct consequence of the UK government's decision to slash the international aid budget. This move, mirroring cuts demanded of the BBC World Service, raises concerns among politicians and military chiefs about the damage to Britain's soft power and national security, especially as other global powers increase their influence. The council, which largely self-funds through English-language services, faces significant financial pressure and loan repayments.
Spending plans for British Council may force it to close in 60 countries, sources say
ForeignCommonwealth and Development OfficeForeign policyUKLabourPoliticsBBC World Service
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The British Council has been asked to prepare spending plans that could lead to its closure in up to 60 countries, a direct consequence of the UK government's decision to slash the international aid budget. This move, mirroring cuts demanded of the BBC World Service, raises concerns among politicians and military chiefs about the damage to Britain's soft power and national security, especially as other global powers increase their influence. The council, which largely self-funds through English-language services, faces significant financial pressure and loan repayments.
Trending- 1 2021: British Council announced 20 office closures due to £185m budget reduction
- 2 Over the last three years: British Council took £180m of costs out through transformation
- 3 Earlier this year: Prime Minister announced aid budget slash from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP
- 4 2024-25: British Council received £163m government grant
- 5 Current: British Council asked to submit spending plans for flat funding or 2% cut; £197m pandemic loan rolled over for 18 months
- 6 Wednesday (upcoming): Spending review
- 7 2025-26: Foreign Office spokesperson states over £160m in funding for British Council
- Significant reduction in the British Council's global presence and operations
- Potential damage to UK's soft power and national security
- Increased financial strain on the organization due to loan repayments
What: The British Council is being asked to prepare spending plans that could result in closures in up to 60 countries due to proposed cuts to its government funding, stemming from a broader reduction in the UK's international aid budget.
When: Wednesday's spending review (upcoming); over the last three years (transformation plan); 2024-25 (government grant amount); earlier this year (prime minister announced aid budget slash); 2021 (20 office closures announced).
Where: UK (government, Whitehall), globally (British Council operations), Russia, China.
Why: The UK government decided to slash the aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP to free up £6bn for defence, leading to imposed cuts on the Foreign Office and institutions like the British Council and BBC World Service.
How: Ministers asked the British Council to draw up two spending scenarios: one with flat funding and one with a 2% annual cut, which would necessitate widespread closures.