Keir Starmer has been warned that he must prioritise saving the UK’s billion pound movie business from Donald Trump’s newest plans for tariffs which could possibly be “a knock out blow” for one of many nation’s main success tales.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Commons choose committee for tradition, has stated MPs can be placing stress on ministers over UK-US commerce talks to rescue an business that’s price billions to the British financial system.
The prime minister is already beneath stress from the US to just accept reducing meals requirements to permit chlorinated hen in addition to repeal hate legal guidelines within the identify of free speech over getting a deal.
But with blockbusters together with the latest Disney Snow White reside motion film, the Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter and James Bond franchises, in addition to streaming success tales akin to Game of Thrones filmed within the UK, the 100 per cent tariffs threatened by Trump might severe hurt the business.
Dame Caroline, a former Tory minister for the movie business, stated: “Last month the Culture, Media and Sport Committee warned against complacency on our status as the Hollywood of Europe. President Trump’s announcement has made that warning all too real.
“Making it more difficult to make films in the UK is not in the interest of American businesses. Their investment in facilities and talent in the UK, based on US-owned IP, is showing fantastic returns on both sides of the Atlantic. Ministers must urgently prioritise this as part of the trade negotiations currently underway.
“At the same time, the government’s forthcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan needs to meet the challenge we set down of incentivising inward investment while also growing our domestic sector so British film and high-end TV can thrive.”
She vowed to make use of her committee to “keep up pressure” on ministers and is in contact with tradition minister Sir Christopher Bryant on the difficulty.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman described the risk as “disappointing” as he denied the UK movie business was subsidised.
He stated: “As we have said across the board, any introduction of tariffs will be disappointing but we will always take a calm and steady approach to our discussions with the US to put British interests first.”
He went on to explain the British movie business as “a world-class industry” and “a beacon of talent” that “showcases the best of our creativity and culture”, including that “talks are ongoing with the US on an economic deal, so we are not going to get into a running commentary of the details on that.”
President Trump announced the tariffs on “national security” grounds claiming that foreign films pose a danger to the US.
But the disaster it poses for the UK economy was underlined with British Film Industry (BFI) figures published in February.
BFI’s research and statistics unit revealed that film and high-end TV production spend in the UK was £5.6 billion in 2024, a 31 per cent increase from 2023.
Of this, £3.4 bn (62 per cent) was spent on high end television and streaming; with feature film production contributing £2.1 billion (38 per cent) of the total spend.
A BFI spokesperson said: “The BFI is working intently with the UK authorities, and business companions within the UK and US whereas we perceive the element of the proposal. We need to maintain collaboration on the coronary heart of our sectors, so we stay a constructive companion to our mates within the US and internationally.”
But unions are warning the tariffs could be a “knock out blow” to the business.
Head of Bectu union, Philippa Childs, stated: “The UK is a world leader in film and TV production, employing thousands of talented workers, and this is a key growth sector in the government’s industrial strategy.
“These tariffs, coming after Covid and the recent slowdown, could deal a knock-out blow to an industry that is only just recovering and will be really worrying news for tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who make films in the UK.
“The government must move swiftly to defend this vital sector, and support the freelancers who power it, as a matter of essential national economic interest.”
Meanwhile, Marcus Ryder, chief govt of the The Film and TV charity informed The Independent: “Trump’s tariffs could wipe out the UK industry because we are so dependent on foreign direct investment for films being made here.
“It would cut off production houses and strangle the entire ecosystem, including the TV industry. But nobody has any idea what the tariffs could mean. There is a lot of uncertainty.”
Mr Ryder stated dozens of individuals had contacted him since Mr Trump’s announcement with “existential dread” about the way forward for the business.
“People are worried and their anxiety levels are off the scale,” he stated. “The tariffs are already having an impact before they have even been introduced.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/trump-tariffs-film-industry-uk-trade-deal-b2745635.html