Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 100% tariff on films produced in the UK has been described as an embarrassing defeat for Keir Starmer as Tories claimed the Government “wasted months” failing to engage with the US President. Mr Trump announced on social media that the tariff will be charged “on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands”. He cliamed: “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death.”

While the fees apply to all films produced outside the US, they will have a particular impact on the UK as many “Hollywood” blockbusters are actually filmed largely in Britain. Examples include The Force Awakens, Wonka, The Batman and Guardians of the Galaxy. The pink paradise set of Barbie was designed to look like a fantasy version of California the set was actually built in Warner Bros studios in Hertfordshire.

Mr Trump claimed films made outside the US were a threat to national security. He said: “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!”

He added: “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”

Government officials are to meet senior figures from Britain’s multibillion-pound production industry to discuss Mr Trump’s announcement.

Stuart Andrew MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “Tariffs could have a significant impact on the UK’s world-renowned film industry, increasing costs, and undermining one of Britain’s most successful creative sectors, which is vital to our economy growth and cultural influence.

“The Labour Government wasted months by not successfully engaging directly with President Trump’s team on these issues before his inauguration and seemingly failed to put robust contingency plans in place.

“The Labour Government must get a grip now, work with our American allies to secure a trade deal with the USA and take decisive action to strengthen and protect the UK film industry, otherwise we risk seeing long-term damage to a sector that is a global success.”

Philippa Childs, head of the creative industries union Bectu, said: “These tariffs, coming after Covid and the recent slowdown, could deal a knockout blow to an industry that is only just recovering, and will be really worrying news for tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who make films in the UK.

“The government must move swiftly to defend this vital sector and support the freelancers who power it, as a matter of essential national economic interest.”

The UK Government is attempting to negotiate a trade deal with the White House, with a focus on ending the 25% tariff on imports of British-made cars.