British Film and Why Trump’s Tariffs Matter

You may have seen in the news recently that Donald Trump is threatening to introduce a 100% tariff on “foreign” films -  a move that would include productions from the UK. It’s being called the “Bond Tax” in some circles, and for good reason. British-made cultural icons like James Bond, Paddington, and Bridget Jones would all be affected.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey criticised Trump in Parliament for "picking a fight with Bond, Bridget Jones and Paddington" - warning that the proposed tariffs could seriously damage British cinema, cost jobs, deter investment, and harm the UK’s global reputation.

Here in Newbury and West Berkshire, we have our own ties to the film and TV world. For example, Sir Michal Bond, the Paddington Bear author, was born in Newbury, and Downton Abbey was filmed just up the road at Highclere Castle. Nearby we have Shinfield Studios, one of the largest and newest studio sites in the UK, which is already attracting major international productions, creating local jobs, and boosting our economy.

Our area is part of a growing creative corridor, and the success of the British film industry matters to us both culturally and economically. It’s one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK, contributing over £1.36 billion a year and employs more than 196,000 people across the country.

Tariffs like these don’t just threaten big studios - they risk undermining our local economy, too.

I support calls for the UK Government to take this seriously: to stand up for our creative industries in trade negotiations, promote British-made content, and protect the local jobs that depend on this success.