An inquiry has been launched to decide whether the BBC should receive more government funding to help project “UK’s values across the world”.

The broadcaster’s World Service receives more than £100 million in funding from the Foreign Office, but Tim Davie, the director-general, has warned that the service “needs help”.

An inquiry has been called to establish whether the BBC needs more financial help from the government to project UK values and soft power.

MPs on the House of Commons’ international development committee (IDC) have called for evidence to establish what support should be given to the BBC.

The committee stated: “Given its impact on the UK’s development goals, and the projection of the UK’s values across the world, the International Development Committee is launching a short inquiry to establish the case for increased Government support.”

Part of the inquiry will seek to set out “what soft power advantages does the World Service provide for the UK and the projection of its values”.

News of the inquiry comes following a series of cuts to the BBC budget, and a smaller-than-expected rise in the licence fee charge, leaving the broadcaster facing a further £90 million shortfall on top of a £400 million funding gap created by the previous licence fee freeze.