FCO’s new focus: counter-radicalism

The Foreign Office will concentrate on countering Muslim extremism with extra funding awarded in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Thirty seven million pounds have been earmarked for ‘counter-radicalisation programmes’ in ‘priority countries’.

A further £21 million will be used to launch a Farsi TV channel, as well as an Arab channel.

The British Council will receive an extra £3 million a year by 2010-11 for initiatives to build understanding among Muslim societies.

An injection of £183 million will be used to bolster security and construct a new high-security mission in Kabul.

CSR in a nutshell

> Funding to grow by £100 million
> Additional resources for counter-radicalisation and security:
.£183 million for embassy security and new embassy in Kabul
. £37 million for counter radicalisation programmes
. £21 million for TV channels targeting audiences in Iran, Afghanistan and the Middle East
> ODA to increase to 0.56% of GDP

London’s missions may feel the pinch

> £144 million of efficiency savings, means a cut in the little extras…