The British government plans to improve security across its embassy network and provide for a new embassy in Kabul under a 183 million capital investment programme.

An additional funding of 37 million a year by 2010-11 will be used to support London’s counter-radicalisation programmes, addressing weakness in governance, education, civil society, human rights and rule of law in priority countries.

The Brown government announced funding for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) would grow from 1.6 billion in 2007-08 to 1.7 billion by 2010-11.

According to the announcement, 21 million pounds a year by 2010-11 will be provided for the launch of a new Farsi television channel and 24/7 Arabic TV - services that will give the BBCWS a tri-media presence (radio, online and TV) in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Iran.

By the year 2010-11, the British Council will receive an additional 3 million pounds annually for its Reconnect initiative to build understanding with Muslim societies, particularly amongst alienated younger populations.