Govt must launch "Watch British campaign" to combat Trump's "Bond tax”

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats 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 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 party 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.

Liberal Democrat Culture Media and Sport Spokesperson Max Wilkinson MP 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."

ENDS