Film Industry

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, opened the debate by outlining the government's plans to support the UK film industry. She highlighted the industry's success over the past 30 years, noting that it is worth £1.36 billion and employs over 195,000 people. Nandy stated that the government has three key aims: to attract investment for UK filmmakers, ensure UK audiences see films that reflect their lives and communities, and make the UK the best place in the world to make films. In response, the shadow Secretary of State, Julia Lopez, congratulated Nandy on her new role but argued that the government's announcement was simply a repackaging of a Conservative policy introduced in the previous government's budget. Lopez claimed the Conservatives had been working for months with industry bodies to develop the independent film tax credit, which she said was welcomed as a "game changer" by the sector. The debate that followed saw contributions from MPs across the House. Many welcomed the government's support for the film industry, particularly the independent sector, and the potential to boost skills and opportunities in regions outside London. Several members highlighted the importance of the industry to their local constituencies, from Berkshire to Blaenau Gwent. There was discussion around the need to ensure the tax incentives keep the UK competitive internationally, with Ireland recently announcing its own boosted incentives. MPs also raised the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and the role of film festivals in supporting independent cinema. The Secretary of State reiterated the government's commitment to working closely with the industry, unions and devolved administrations to nurture the sector and unlock its full potential across the country.