41
Accepted
The Government should in response to this report provide evidence to the Committee on how...
Recommendation
The Government should in response to this report provide evidence to the Committee on how it utilises its overseas network to detect, defend and deter foreign information manipulation and interference and how these insights are informing policy responses. (Recommendation, Paragraph 183)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and states the FCDO is investing in staff upskilling, leveraging its network of political officers, and using reporting from overseas missions to build a global picture of the threat which informs policy responses.
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