Netflix, Amazon and other major streaming services should pay a levy to fund the crisis-hit UK TV drama sector, a cross-party committee of MPs has said. The recommendation comes amid fears that the dominance of US-based streamers could spell the disappearance of “distinctly British” stories from the small screen. The culture, media and sport committee also said new tax breaks should be used to help fund dramas made by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 – the public service broadcasters that have had to squeeze their programme budgets as the cost of making shows has soared. It added that such programming was vital to the UK’s identity, national conversation and talent development.
Free speech put on hold.
July 13, 2026
