Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to take steps with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to increase the resources available to the BBC Monitoring Service in respect of (a) Russia, (b) Ukraine and (c) other European countries connected to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  [136487]

[Due for Answer on 14 March]

ANSWER

The Minister for Europe and North America (James Cleverly): As set out in the BBC Monitoring Agreement, the BBC is responsible for the funding, staffing and administration of BBC Monitoring. The Government, as a Key Customer of the service, is liaising closely with BBC Monitoring on prioritisation and surge resourcing requirements.