Yesterday I had an opportunity to participate in a debate on the UK Government cut in Official Development Assistance to 0.5% of Gross National Income, and its effects on the functioning of the British Council.

The British Council works with more than 100 countries worldwide, with programmes promoting greater cultural understanding, and wider knowledge of the English language and of the culture of the nations of the UK. Its work in education, arts and local development has changed the lives of millions of people and it is distressing to hear that due to UK Government cuts it may be forced to cease operations in 11 countries and deliver their programming from offices in other countries in another 9.

You can watch my speech on Parliament TV, or read a transcript of it on Hansard.