House of Commons · Urgent Question
07 May 2025 · 23 other contributors
Opened by Stuart Andrew Con Daventry
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Stuart Andrew raised concerns about united states film tariff 2025-05-07 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the potential implications for the UK film industry of President Trump's proposal to impose a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films? The MP is concerned about the immediate and long-term impacts on job creation, investment, and the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in the sector.
Question
What assessment has the Minister made of the potential impact on the UK film sector? What immediate steps are the Government taking to engage with the US and ensure that investment in UK facilities by US businesses is highlighted? What contingency plans have been prepared if no exemptions can be secured?
Minister reply
The Minister stated that he assessed the mutual benefits for both countries from international collaborations. Immediate engagement includes discussions at the highest level, and contingency planning focuses on highlighting the economic impact of US investments in UK facilities.
Question
Will the Minister ensure that high-end television is also championed in discussions with the United States? Will there be good communication from the Government on these negotiations?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed his support for high-end television and acknowledged Hackney's contribution to the film industry. He committed to ensuring clear communication during ongoing negotiations.
Question
Will all options, including working with allies like Canada and Australia, be on the table? Will the Minister meet film industry leaders in the UK to coordinate a response?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed meetings with industry representatives tomorrow to understand concerns better. He also cautioned against premature announcements of policies but affirmed that everything possible will be done to protect the industry.
Question
How can we bolster home-made film and TV as part of the creative industries sector plan, particularly in Northumbria?
Minister reply
The Minister agreed on bolstering domestic production and highlighted a mixed economy approach for British films. He also mentioned the importance of strengthening relationships with India.
Question
Will the Minister say more about what this Government will do to break down barriers to opportunity in the film industry, especially given his constituency's growing importance as a go-to location for film production?
Minister reply
We have already invested significant amounts of money in the skills sector and made special provision in the Budget to protect business rates for studios until 2034. The Minister recognises that the UK has some of the best cinematographers, technical experts, designers, and acting talent.
Question
With unclear tariffs operating and high business rates for film studios such as Sky Studios Elstree near St Albans, will the Minister look at tackling the business rates regime to ensure the creative industries are protected?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that some of the very large studios find it more difficult with increased business rates. He made special provision in the Budget to protect business rates for studios until 2034 and is happy to continue looking at the issue.
Question
Does the Minister agree that Harlow, as well as the rest of the UK, has a huge amount of talent and what can this Government do to support it to continue growing?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is quite right about Harlow, the Minister agrees that many different parts of the UK need to up their game for film production.
Question
Will the Minister have another go at the Treasury regarding business rates, which are proving crippling for many studios including Elstree?
Minister reply
The Minister accepts the point about the issue with business rates and is fully on board to work further with the Treasury to address it.
Question
Given that Paddington Bear-themed Universal theme park in Bedfordshire will bring a £50 billion boost, what can the Minister do to reassure me that he will ensure that we protect and support Great British storytellers?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a very good point about protecting and supporting the next generation of British storytelling.
Question
Will the Minister condemn harmful tariffs and work with the film industry to ensure that the UK remains the world's premier destination for film investment?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, we want to maintain the UK as the premier destination for international investment from not just the US but also India and Nigeria.
Question
Will the Minister join me in reassuring Bectu members that we are on their side and will help protect film talent in the UK?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges difficulties over the past couple of years because of US industrial action but highlights mutual benefits between the US and the UK. He also states he would like to look at freelance work security as part of the industrial strategy.
Question
The Minister mentioned 'win-win', can he ensure that the film industry is about mutual benefits rather than zero-sum gains, and support innovators in creative industries?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a good point; I agree that it should be win-win for both US and UK film industries. A strong US movie industry will benefit a strong UK movie industry. We believe in fair trade and free trade.
Question
Will the Minister work closely with the Scottish Government to mitigate potential tariffs, emphasising that such measures would be mutually destructive?
Minister reply
I am keen on working with all devolved Administrations to ensure we remain the best place for film production. I will make clear that any tariff imposition would result in mutual loss.
Question
Can the Minister reassure us about continued updates on how the Government plans to mitigate tariffs if they materialize, particularly for Warner Brothers Studios Leavesden in his constituency?
Minister reply
We are working towards a proper trade deal that would mitigate tariffs. I am very hopeful that Leavesden will be part of our discussions when gathering industry leaders tomorrow.
Question
Will the Minister assure us that he is ready to protect and insulate the UK film industry from tariffs, considering the impact on freelance jobs, by pushing for tax credits or business rate adjustments?
Minister reply
I find it difficult to believe there has not been a film made in Devon. I am committed to making sure films are made in Devon in future years.
Question
Would the Minister visit Tech Trowbridge, which upskills young people in multimedia, emphasising the importance of artistic freedom and expression?
Minister reply
Yes.
Question
Can the Minister assure the creative sector in North Norfolk that he values its contributions to the economy and will protect it from potential tariffs, given the cultural significance of films like 'Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa'?
Minister reply
I agree with the hon. Member's points but remind him about making his film in Devon. British films are watched globally, and no President would want to discourage watching them.
Question
Will the Minister ensure that Northern Ireland’s voice is heard in discussions regarding potential tariffs, considering the significant economic benefits from productions like 'Game of Thrones'?
Minister reply
I have had discussions with Members of the Executive in Northern Ireland and will consult them further. Tourism based on film locations is a key aspect we are capitalizing on.
Question
Would the Minister raise with industry leaders the need to discuss apprenticeship models for industries with many freelancers and irregular schedules, during his meeting tomorrow?
Minister reply
I agree that it is important to address skills training issues. I will definitely raise this point with industry leaders.
Question
Will the Minister consider including Northern Ireland Screen in his meeting with the industry?
Minister reply
The Minister agreed to include Northern Ireland Screen in his meeting.
Question
Can I urge the Minister, as others have, to work with the Treasury and the Valuation Office Agency on bringing down the rateable value of film studios?
Minister reply
The minister responded by emphasising Tom Cruise's investment in the UK due to favourable conditions here. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for actors and filmmakers.
Question
How can he emphasise the need to give consideration to our film sector, which is an integral part of this United Kingdom?
Minister reply
The Minister expressed optimism about future negotiations and the continued success of the UK film industry despite challenges.
Government Response
The House was informed that President Trump has authorised tariffs on foreign films. The Minister assured that the UK government is actively discussing the matter with US authorities to protect its film industry, which generated £5.6 billion in production spend in 2024 and supports 195,000 jobs across the country. He highlighted mutual benefits from international collaborations between the UK and US and noted historical precedents of British government policies that support local film production.