Berkshire “.. is the Hollywood of the UK and must be protected,” according to Wokingham MP, Clive Jones.
In a statement, he said he was standing up for the hundreds of people in our community who work in the film industry – notably at Shinfield Studios.
Jones, and his Liberal Democrat colleagues have called on the government to meet with British film industry leaders and discuss a response to Trump’s plan for 100% tariffs on foreign films, including those made in the UK.
The Liberal Democrats have warned that Trump’s “James Bond tax” would deal a devastating blow to British jobs in the industry, and said a plan was urgently needed to cushion the blow.
They’ve called on the government to launch a “Watch British” campaign to boost UK filmmakers in response to Trump’s tariffs.
The Liberal Democrats said “all options should be on the table,” including working with allies like Canada on retaliatory tariffs and bringing in measures to boost the UK film industry – including a “Watch British” campaign to encourage cinema-goers and broadcasters to choose British-made films.
Berkshire has been dubbed the ‘Hollywood of the UK’ due to numerous studios present in the area at one stage, most notably Shinfield Studios which includes two of the biggest stages in the UK, and has produced some of Hollywood’s largest blockbusters.
As a result, the film studios employ hundreds of people in Wokingham and across Berkshire.
Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesperson Max Wilkinson said: “The world-leading British film industry is facing an existential threat from Trump’s James Bond tax.
“Ministers must urgently meet with British film industry leaders to discuss how best to respond.
“The government must keep all options on the table to protect British jobs and national treasures like Paddington and Bond, including working with allies to draw up retaliatory tariffs.
“We also need to see measures to support jobs in the film industry, including encouraging the BBC and cinemas to play British-made films.”
Wokingham’s MP Clive Jones said: “Berkshire, the Hollywood of the UK, has a proud history of film-making, and is home to many important locations, like Shinfield Studios.
“As such, the film industry is a vital part of our community’s culture, and an important part of our local economy.
“Trump’s tariffs now risk wiping out this industry, which would affect many in Wokingham, Berkshire and across the UK.
“The Government must act now to preserve and promote British film.
“That is why my Liberal Democrat colleagues, and I will push the Government to launch a “Watch British” campaign to support a key part of our national, cultural identity.”
