Nandy absence called out as MPs urge greater use of sport as soft power

MP Dame Caroline Dinenage has criticized the UK government for not utilizing sport and culture more effectively to enhance the nation's global influence. The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee chair highlighted the government's Soft Power Council, which has convened only four times since its inception, with Minister of State for Digital and Culture Lisa Nandy attending just twice.

Dinenage emphasized that iconic British events such as the Premier League, Wimbledon, Glastonbury, and the Chelsea Flower Show are celebrated worldwide and generate substantial economic benefits for the UK, yet they are often disregarded by policy-making that prioritizes other sectors.

Sport England's data indicates that the sport and physical activity industry contributes around £100 billion to the UK economy, while a study by Sheffield Hallam University found that the sector's gross value added exceeds £50 billion. Nandy pointed out that the Premier League is the most-watched domestic football competition globally, and the UK's reputation as a desirable venue for major sports events, fueled by enthusiastic fan support and merchandise sales, presents compelling opportunities for enhancing the nation's soft power.

The MP stressed that despite the Soft Power Council's promising launch, progress towards a comprehensive strategy remains unclear, and the government should urgently collaborate with the arts, culture, and events sectors to maximize the UK's potential in this domain. Upcoming events in London, including the Laver Cup this autumn, cricket, the Great North Run, and the PGA Championship, underscore the country's capacity to host significant global gatherings. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has been asked for its response.