MPs urge greater use of sport for UK soft power, citing Nandy absence

MPs are calling for the government to increase its efforts in utilizing sport and the broader culture sector to bolster the UK's global soft power. Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, has criticized the government's approach, noting that the Soft Power Council has convened only four times, with Secretary of State Lisa Nandy attending just two of those meetings. The council has reportedly not met for nearly a year.

Dinenage highlighted the significant global reverence for British sporting events like the Premier League and Wimbledon, as well as cultural cornerstones such as Glastonbury and the Chelsea Flower Show, which collectively contribute billions to the UK economy. She expressed concern that these sectors are often overlooked in government policy, which tends to focus more on other economic areas. Dinenage stressed the need to "strain every sinew" to leverage the benefits these sectors bring to the UK's international reputation.

According to Sport England, the sport and physical activity sector contributes approximately £100 billion to the UK economy. Research from Sheffield Hallam University indicates that its gross value added, a measure of its actual economic value, exceeds £50 billion. MPs are urging the government to collaborate urgently with the arts, culture, and events sectors to ensure the UK fully capitalizes on its substantial soft power potential.