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The Jewish Chronicle

Javid denounces 'smokescreen' arts censorship

December 18, 2014 13:09
Points of order: UJS students make themselves heard at the conference

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Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Sajid Javid spoke out against Israel boycotts in a speech that took a strong stance on artistic censorship at the UJS conference.

"I will always be proud to stand up and resist calls for boycotts of Israel, he said. "I know that such calls are nothing more than a smokescreen for the oldest hatred."

Speaking on Sunday at the UJS's annual policy-making forum, Mr Javid talked about the summer protests against Israeli theatre company Incubator at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and cited the Tricycle theatre's refusal to host the UK Jewish Film Festival because it received funds from the Israeli embassy.

"The moment I heard about the Tricycle ban I knew I couldn't just let it go.

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