Film Industry

Lord Purvis of Tweed Excerpts

Thursday 10th October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I will take back my noble friend’s points about mental health and the role of freelancers and speak to my noble friend Lady Merron and the Minister of State about these significant issues.

[Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)]

My Lords, I think the whole House will agree with the Minister that film production is a real driver for regional growth, including in Scotland, where I live, like the noble Baroness, Lady Fraser. However, about 45 minutes ago, the noble Baroness, Lady Anderson, answered a Question on the pausing of the Northern Ireland city deals. The Belfast city deal includes investment for Studio Ulster. The Government are to be commended for promoting investment in film production, but they are simultaneously pausing it. Why?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I understand that there is no pause to the funding for the Belfast deal.