§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what cultural projects with new funding arrangements have been initiated by(a) the British Council and (b) BBC World Service to broaden understanding of the Muslim world since 11 September.[9273]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe BBC World Service continues to serve as an independent forum for the exchange of ideas across cultural boundaries. BBC World Service news and current affairs programmes across all 43 of its language services have paid special attention to Islamic issues since 11 September. Regional language services have been enhanced, for which extra funding will be required. The BBC World Service is currently broadcasting a series on the principles of Islam.
The British Council is re-prioritising £1 million of current spending as the first step in an initiative called Open Minds, designed to encourage mutual understanding between young people from different cultures. Projects will include with UK diaspora communities, a major expansion of youth and school links, an enhanced dialogue for young professionals and future leaders and the development of on-line links in knowledge and learning centres in the Muslim world.