'Reckless taxes real threat to £6billion gaming industry'

RACHEL Reeves has been accused of putting the UK's world-leading video games industry at risk with her "reckless tax policies".

- By Jonathan Walker

Gaming has a market value of £136billion worldwide, more than Hollywood and the music industry combined, and the UK is now the fourth largest video game exporter in the world.

Global hits such as Grand Theft Auto are made in the UK while iconic characters such as Lara Croft, star of the Tomb Raider franchise, were created here.

But the industry, which contributes £6billion to the economy, does not get the recognition it deserves according to the UK Video Games Council, a new body set up to lobby government.

And the Conservatives say it is under threat as a result of decisions made by the Chancellor, including the increase in employer NI contributions that came into effect in April.