Foreign Secretary David Lammy has asked top executives from the worlds of sport, pop music and television to boost the UK’s image abroad.
He said the UK enjoys “enormous love and respect” across the globe and should use its reputation to grow the economy and increase our influence overseas.
And Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Peaky Blinders and Adele would encourage overseas investors to spend money in the UK.
But a leading Labour think tank has urged the Government to go further.
The Foreign Secretary has appointed a “soft power council” to offer advice on how British culture and creative industries can be grow alliances with other countries. Soft power refers to using influence and persuasion unlike hard power, which usually means military force.
Mr Lammy said: “Soft power is fundamental to the UK’s impact and reputation around the world. I am often struck by the enormous love and respect which our music, sport, educations and institutions generate on every continent.
“But we have not taken a sufficiently strategic approach to these huge assets as a country. Harnessing soft power effectively can help to build relationships, deepen trust, enhance our security and drive economic growth.
“That is why I have created the Soft Power Council to channel British expertise as we look to re-imagine Britain’s role on the world stage, reinvigorate alliances and forge new partnerships.”
Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said: “From the Premier League and Peaky Blinders to Adele and the BBC World Service, Britain’s cultural exports showcase the best of Britain around the world.
“When international investors look to the UK, it is so often our iconic sporting events, performing arts, media outlets and creative industries that make the UK such an attractive place to grow and invest.
“We are determined to strengthen our soft power abroad, and in turn deliver a major boost to our economy, as we focus on our missions to create jobs and spread opportunity across the UK.”
Members of the new committee include paralympic athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson, Tom Kiehl, the chief executive of pop industry body UK Music, and BBC manager Tom Fussell.
However the Labour Together think tank, led by former Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth, called on the Government to go further.
It said in a report: “The Foreign Secretary should also consider ways to leverage the heft of the Soft Power Council membership in a public facing way. This means equipping them with resources to become global ambassadors for British soft power.
“Rather than limiting their knowledge and expertise to closed-door conversations, members should be sent abroad so they can serve as representatives of UK plc at key events and forums.”
