Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Film and Television Productions

Wednesday 19 November 2025 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers aim to increase film and television productions in Northern Ireland.
  • The Minister intends to work with Northern Ireland Screen to promote the high quality and lower costs of production in Northern Ireland.
  • The Government's modern industrial strategy includes a 10-year plan to unlock potential in the creative industries.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marie Tidball Lab Penistone and Stocksbridge
Northern Ireland Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question arises from the context of increasing film and TV production in Northern Ireland. Dr Tidball highlights the UK Disability History Month and mentions the doubling of representation for disabled people on screen since 2018 to 9% across the UK.

Question

What steps he is taking with his counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive to help increase the number of film and television productions made in Northern Ireland? Additionally, what is the Minister doing to ensure a further drive to again double the presence of disability on and off screen?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)

Northern Ireland’s creative industries are thriving, and I have discussed that topic with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers. The sector includes world-class talent and studios such as those used for productions like “Derry Girls”, “Game of Thrones”, “Trespasses”, “Blue Lights” and “Line of Duty”. Additionally, the Minister agrees that expanding opportunities for disabled people in creative industries is important, noting the success of the Creative Diversity Network’s efforts to double representation. The creative industries new entrants programme, a partnership between Northern Ireland Screen, the BBC and the Northern Ireland Executive, aims to broaden access for disabled actors.

Answered
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Q2 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question is prompted by an increase in economic value of 19% in the Northern Ireland film sector between 2019 and 2022. Jim Shannon highlights the potential for further growth, particularly in his constituency.

Question

How do the Northern Ireland Office and the Minister intend to work further with Northern Ireland Screen to promote the high quality and lower costs of production in Northern Ireland? We have lots to offer—let’s take advantage of it.

Answer from Matthew Patrick

The creative industries in Northern Ireland are booming, backed by this Government’s modern industrial strategy and a 10-year plan to unlock potential. The Minister is committed to increasing investment in the sector to £31 billion by 2035.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging growth and commitment, the response did not provide specific details on collaboration with Northern Ireland Screen as requested.

How: Broad Statements Of Commitment Without Concrete Details

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