The British Council, seen as a cornerstone of UK global influence, is reported to be under threat from an unsustainable Covid-era debt which is driving cuts, instability, and loss of assets. We call on the UK Government to cancel this debt and protect its future.

The British Council supports education through teaching and exams, cultural exchange, and UK partnerships in over 100 countries. We believe a £197m Covid-era government loan is forcing cuts, job insecurity, the closing of some country operations and the sale of key assets. Covid was an extraordinary crisis, not mismanagement. We feel that cancelling the debt would protect jobs, safeguard vital services, and preserve a key UK global asset in an uncertain world.