Committee publication · Special Report · 8 June 2026 · HC 269
2nd Special Report - Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy: Government Response
From: Foreign Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy
Summary
This is the UK Government's response to the Foreign Affairs Committee's March 2026 report on disinformation diplomacy. The Government addresses 20 recommendations on countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), accepting most but partially accepting or disagreeing with several. It outlines international actions including sanctions on Russian FIMI entities, increased BBC World Service funding to £148 million annually, and strengthened cooperation with European and allied partners, while acknowledging coordination challenges across government.
Key findings
- Government agrees to prioritise funding for civil society and independent media in Black Sea Region and Western Balkans to counter Russian influence, and to provide greater clarity on UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership implementation on combatting FIMI.
- Sanctions imposed on 56 Russian individuals and entities in May 2026, including Social Design Agency and ANO Dialog employees, with first exposure of Kremlin use of these organisations to interfere in Armenian elections.
- BBC World Service funding increased 42% from £104.4 million (2024–25) to £148 million annually for next three years, recognised as critical soft power asset against disinformation.
- Government partially accepts recommendation for statutory National Counter Disinformation Centre, noting Rycroft Review conclusions and lessons from allied models (Sweden, Ukraine, France) will inform approach.
- FCDO upskilling staff on FIMI through dedicated training rolled out at priority overseas posts in FY25–26; leveraging network of 100+ political officers across UK diplomatic missions to engage host governments on threat and collaboration.
Government position
Government accepts majority of recommendations (11 recommendations fully accepted; 8 partially accepted; 1 disagreed). On China, Government agrees to transparent strategy while maintaining 'red line' on national security. On Taiwan, partially accepts expanded bilateral engagement but frames issue as requiring constructive dialogue between both sides. On Counter Daesh Communications Cell, Government disagrees with recommendation for review, expressing confidence in current approach. On FCDO resourcing, partially accepts that while allocations target hybrid threats including FIMI, makes no commitment to additional defence-budget reallocation. On statutory counter-disinformation centre, partially accepts, noting Rycroft Review and allied models will inform future approach. On Georgia, partially accepts sanctions recommendation, declining to speculate on future designations. Consistent position: Government claims commitment to FIMI countering but resists specific resource commitments or institutional changes where control or flexibility might be limited.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Emily Thornberry, Stephen Doughty, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), BBC World Service, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, European Union
Notable line
“In an era of widespread disinformation, this investment will support the BBC World Service to continue delivering impartial, accurate and trusted journalism around the world.”
Key Quotes
“The UK must prioritise existing funds for civil society organisations and independent media to enhance their resilience and capacity across Europe, but especially around the Black Sea Region and the Western Balkans …”
“… we are confronting an industrial-scale attack on the UK's and our allies' information environment, aimed at undermining our security and democratic systems, with Russia engaged in information warfare against the UK and Ukraine.”
“In May, the UK imposed sanctions on another 56 individuals and entities involved in activity to undermine Ukraine. 1 This action is testament to the government's commitment to combatting Russian malign interference worldwide.”
“… this Government has increased its contribution to World Service funding by 42% since taking office.”
“We will not sacrifice our national security for economic growth. This red line was reiterated by the Prime Minister during his visit to China in January.”
“The UK views information manipulation as a form of deception rather than legitimate discourse. We are focused on stopping hostile actors from misleading the public, not on regulating political views or lawful disagreement.”
“We are proud of the support that we provided to support Moldova's efforts to safeguard its electoral integrity in the face of this interference – this included the UK …”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗