Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

British Film and High-end Television 2025-07-03

03 July 2025 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about british film and high-end television 2025-07-03 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The British film and high-end television industry is noted for its world-class facilities and successful productions.
  • The industry is highlighted as fragile due to its reliance on inward investment and vulnerability following the US strikes in 2023.
  • The committee proposes 35 recommendations to support the industry, including measures for inward investment, championing British content, and improving skills development.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport

The report highlights the thriving British film and high-end television industry, noting world-class facilities and successful productions. However, it emphasises the fragility of this sector due to its reliance on inward investment and vulnerability after the US strikes in 2023. The committee proposes 35 recommendations to support inward investment, champion British content, improve skills development, protect screen heritage, and address industry concerns such as tax credits for low-budget films and VFX. The Government has acknowledged some of these but many remain unaddressed.

Other contributors (5)
  • Lewis Atkinson Lab Sunderland Central

    Questions the adequacy of current tax incentives, suggesting a need for regional elements to support growth in areas like Sunderland and the north-east.

  • John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

    Highlights the struggle of public service broadcasters against streamers' budgets and calls for measures to ensure high-quality British content on terrestrial television.

  • Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham

    Congratulated Dame Caroline Dinenage on her statement, inquiring about the support for local and regional cinemas. She highlighted that the Government's tax credit for independent British films is crucial but also emphasised the need to ensure audiences are aware of these films through print and advertising.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Asked Dame Caroline Dinenage about a disappointing response from the Government regarding research into a statutory deposit scheme for moving images. He suggested that researching such a possible scheme would be beneficial for preserving film history.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Expressed excitement over Northern Ireland's success in promoting the film and TV sectors, noting job creation and economic boosts. Asked about opportunities to work with the relevant Minister and sector in Northern Ireland for better collaboration.

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