40
Accepted
The UK’s overseas diplomatic presence is vital to understanding and countering foreign information manipulation and...
Conclusion
The UK’s overseas diplomatic presence is vital to understanding and countering foreign information manipulation and interference. We are concerned that at present the Government is not adequately utilising the expertise and evidence collated by its overseas network to inform its domestic approach to combatting foreign information manipulation and interference. (Conclusion, Paragraph 182)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the conclusion, stating that the FCDO is investing in staff training for FIMI, leveraging its overseas network of political officers for intelligence gathering and collaboration, and deepening dialogue with international partners.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Agree. The FCDO is investing in upskilling its staff to work on FIMI, including through a dedicated training offer which has been rolled out at priority overseas Posts in FY25–26. This has included delivery in Europe, Africa and Latin America. The FCDO leverages a network of more than 100 political officers across priority UK diplomatic missions to engage with host governments on the threat from FIMI, response options and opportunities to collaborate. In turn, reporting from our overseas network enables us to build a comprehensive picture of the global nature of the FIMI threat and seek further opportunities for cooperation with and learning from international partners. We also leverage our overseas network to deepen dialogue with host governments and civil society actors on FIMI and develop initiatives to detect, defend against and deter FIMI in line with UK policy objectives. Having a skilled workforce, able to engage effectively in this evolving policy area in different geopolitical contexts, is critical to the success of the UK’s international engagement and reach on FIMI.
Source
Committee
Foreign Affairs Committee
Report
4th Report - Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy
27 Mar 2026
HC 703
Addressee Bodies
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
27 Mar 2026