Oral Answers to Questions

Ben Goldsborough Excerpts

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Stephanie Peacock]

I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to his local charity—indeed, I am a patron of a dementia charity in Barnsley. I recognise the challenges faced by charities, which is why I hosted a number of them at No. 10 with a Treasury Minister. I would be delighted to speak to the hon. Gentleman about this matter.

[Ben Goldsborough (South Norfolk) (Lab)]

10. What steps she is taking to support the video games industry.

[The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)]

As part of our creative industries, video games are identified as a priority sector in the industrial strategy. On Monday, we rolled out the games growth package, with a £30 million investment over three years, expanding the UK games fund and investing in the London games festival. We continue to maintain our stable and generous tax reliefs, recognising their role in supporting growth in the games sector, in industry and in wider creative industries. According to estimates from the body Ukie, the value of the UK video game consumer market in 2025 was £8.8 billion.

[Ben Goldsborough]

Norfolk is home to a thriving games development community, with Norfolk games developers supporting over 500 members through mentoring, skills and business growth, contributing to a survival rate of small and medium-sized enterprises that is way above the UK average. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that areas such as Norfolk can access and shape the video games growth package? Will the Minister meet with me to discuss this matter further?

[Ian Murray]

It looks as if I am meeting with my hon. Friend about games, rather than going to the Motown dancing in Eastbourne, but never mind. [Laughter.]

Delivering for all the nations and regions remains a priority for this Government. The UK games fund, which is based in Dundee, is a UK-wide programme available to studios and teams across the country, wherever they are. The funding provided to the London games festival includes showcasing support for regional studios, enabling exposure to a greater audience. I am more than happy to speak to my hon. Friend to discuss the opportunities for Norfolk in more detail.