Labour minister Chris Bryant told MPs: “We are working hard to establish what is being proposed – if anything – and to make sure our world-beating creative industries are protected”
The UK is already in “active discussions” with Donald Trump’s team over his threat to impose tariffs on foreign-made films.
The US president said in a post on his Truth Social platform at the weekend that he has authorised government departments to impose the tariff “on any and all movies coming into our country that are produced in foreign lands”.
It’s led to widespread confusion over which films would be included in such a tariff, and how it would be charged.
Culture minister Chris Bryant told MPs: “We are already in active discussions with the top of the US administration on this subject.
“We are working hard to establish what is being proposed, if anything, and to make sure our world-beating creative industries are protected.
As well as home-grown hits like Paddington and James Bond, many huge American film franchises – including Disney’s Star Wars and Marvel movies – are filmed and produced in the UK. Many other US studios take advantage of Canada’s favourable tax breaks for filmmakers to move productions to Toronto.
Mr Bryant added: “We’re absolutely committed to ensuring the film industry can continue to thrive and create good jobs across the UK.”
Earlier, at Prime Minister’s Questions, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Keir Starmer to stand up to Mr Trump on behalf of the industry.
Speaking in the Commons, Sir Ed said: “People also want a Government that will stand up for our country against Donald Trump.
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“First, he came for our steel workers and our car-makers with his outrageous tariffs. Now, Donald Trump is coming for our world leading British film industry.
“So will the Prime Minister work with our allies, in Europe and in the Commonwealth, and make clear to President Trump that if he picks a fight with James Bond, Bridget Jones and Paddington Bear, he will lose?”
Sir Keir replied: “He really should listen to the sectors that he thinks he’s championing.
“They do not want us to abandon the work we’re doing to try and get an agreement with America. They want that agreement to reduce tariffs.
“That’s the sensible, pragmatic way to protect our national interest.
“It is not sensible or pragmatic to choose between the US and the EU to abandon the work we’re doing on trade with the US and leave the tariffs exactly where they are.
“That’s the most damaging thing that could possibly be done.”
The film industry has raised concerns the tariffs will impact freelancers in the UK and would be difficult to enact.
