Jack McConnell to advise UK Gov on Soft Power

The UK Government's Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport has directly appointed Lord McConnell to advise her on Soft Power and the Economic Impact of Major Events. The UK Government announced on Monday that Lord McConnell is to provide advice personally to the Secretary of State on how to harness soft power assets and support the UK’s major events sector.

The connection between soft power and aid cuts was encapsulated by the former head of the British Army, General Lord Richard Dannatt who wrote in February:

"To wield power effectively, we need hard and soft power working hand in hand. Cutting development aid undermines our ability to stabilise fragile states, reduce the conditions for extremism and build alliances that enhance our security. Simply put, well-targeted aid prevents conflict and reduces the burden on our armed forces in the long run."

Lord McConnell has been vocal (in the Huffington Post and elsewhere) in his criticism of the UK's aid cuts. Given his enduring commitment to Malawi and knowledge of the power of people-to-people partnerships, the SMP is delighted that Baroness Chapman is to benefit from Lord McConnell's experience.