The Prime Minister was reluctant to support or oppose a controversial film studio proposal during a visit to a school in Buckinghamshire this morning.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield today (January 22) to meet staff and students alongside local MP Joy Morrissey and promote the educational arm of the UK's film and TV industry.

Whilst Mr Sunak was keen to stress the country's growing prominence on the global filmmaking stage, he remained tight-lipped when questioned on Marlow Film Studios, a controversial 36-hectare development proposed for construction on greenbelt land down the road in Little Marlow. 

When asked about his views on the project by the Free Press, the Prime Minister said: "In general, planning decisions are a matter for the local planning authority and are not something I would typically get involved with or comment on.

"More generally, though, part of the reason I'm here today is to celebrate the incredible success of our film and TV industry, in which (the NFTS) and (Buckinghamshire) play a starring role.

"It brings a boost to our economy, employs millions of people and is training the next generation, which is something I think we can all be proud of.

READ MORE: Appeals and arguments: What's next for Marlow Film Studios in 2024?

"Joy (Morrissey) and I have been chatting with some of the young people here today and it just fills you with incredible confidence - the future looks bright."

In response to further questioning about his views on greenbelt development, Mr Sunak said: "Local authorities know local areas best and it's right that they make decisions that are appropriate.

"When it comes to housing, one thing I have been clear about is that we have decided to remove top-down imposed targets on local areas.

"I don't think that's right, and it puts precious countryside at risk.

"This is a very beautiful part of the country, (but) it's right that the local (authority) balances these things."

In June 2023, the UK government announced a £77 million funding boost to the creative industries as part of a wider aim to grow the sector by £50 billion and create a million more jobs by 2030.

Speaking at the time, the Prime Minister called the creative industries "a true British success story".