EURIMAGES AND THE UK FILM INDUSTRY

Early day motion 2442, tabled 15 November 2011 by Alan Meale (Labour). Signed by 15 members.

That this House is aware that every year in Europe approximately 675 commercial films are produced, many from the independent sector, which in the UK's case in recent times has created a number of remarkable successes including such films as Trainspotting, The Full Monty, Brassed Off and Billy Elliot whose inventiveness and distinctive local identity sold well to the widest market, in the process helping to give contemporary UK film production an extremely strong profile; notes that this was despite the UK being the only Council of Europe member state not to be a member of its film co-production fund Eurimages, thereby leaving this sector of British industry at a distinct disadvantage compared to its European competitors; and calls on the Government as it approaches the UK's forthcoming chairmanship of the Council of Europe to commit to this unique fund, thereby promoting cultural co-operation of mutual benefit and understanding whilst at the same time giving a boost to our nation's film industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1.