MPs Warn of National Security Risks if BBC World Service Funding is Cut, BBC World Service

Hours before Rachel Reeves delivered her budget last year, the government was in tight negotiations with the BBC over the World Service’s funding. The dispute centered on a small portion of the overall budget, but BBC executives warned that any cuts would necessitate shutting down several language stations in regions where Russia already holds sway. Despite the government’s recent cuts to the aid budget, the fear remains that the BBC’s appeal to Britain’s soft power may not be as effective this time. The government has asked the World Service to model two scenarios: one with steady funding and one with a 2% yearly cut, which could result in a £70m shortfall. The BBC’s Global Director, Jonathan Munro, emphasizes the World Service’s unparalleled reach and impact in promoting British values. However, budgetary pressure has raised concerns about the service’s waning influence, with potential closures of certain language services, including those in areas near Russia, facilitating the spread of Russian propaganda. The BBC remains a trusted global news source, yet challenges persist with funding sustainability and the need to counter disinformation.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/jun/08/cuts-to-bbc-world-service-funding-would-make-us-less-safe-mps-tell-ministers