MPs request more UK films on TV

MPs request more UK films on TV

Bend it Like Beckham was a huge UK hit

A group of MPs is calling for more homegrown films to be shown on UK television to reflect the industry as an "essential part of national culture".

It is calling for the new broadcasting watchdog Ofcom to back British movies and force channels to commission and show more UK-backed films.

A survey by the Film Council showed that just 27 films out of 1,034 shown on the five terrestrial channels in the second half of 2002 were UK films made in the past five years.

Gloucester MP Parmjit Dhanda said there needs to be a greater involvement and support from broadcasters if the country's film industry is to flourish.

The Communications Bill requires Ofcom to ask broadcasters for commitments to acquire, commission and show new UK films in order to comply with their public service remit.

Mr Dhanda said: "It is important that more high-quality British films are made and seen on both large and small screens across the country, to help us build on the popularity of UK-made films like Gosford Park, Bend It Like Beckham and the Harry Potter series.

"Improvements will not happen overnight but it is important that Ofcom takes steps to tackle the problem as soon as possible."