British Council cuts are a false economy that would erode the UK’s global influence

Akram Khan dance company performs outside the V&A in 2022, as part of a partnership with the British Council marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. Photograph: Guy Bell/Rex/Shutterstock

Soft power takes decades to build and no time to squander. As we ramp up defence spending, it would be incoherent to try to part-pay for it by hollowing out the British Council.

The British Council is at the heart of Britain’s global influence – fostering education, English-language skills, cultural exchange and mutual understanding in more than 100 countries.