Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has expressed his condemnation of cultural boycotts of Israel, saying he was “totally opposed” to them.

Mr Whittingdale made the remark during a meeting with Board of Deputies leaders to discuss the Jewish community’s cultural scene, and dialogue and exchange between the UK and Israel.

He reiterated the government’s “support for Jewish culture in the UK and our total opposition to cultural boycotts,” adding: “I look forward to visiting a Jewish cultural institution in due course.”

The Board delegation, comprising chief executive Gillian Merron and international affairs officer David Walsh, and president Jonathan Arkush, used the meeting to raise their concerns about the BBC’s reporting of political issues.

In statement, Mr Arkush said the discussions had been productive.

“Mr Whittingdale positively appreciates the Jewish contribution to the UK’s cultural scene and the warm ties between Israel and our country. I also note his previous remarks on the need for an independent mechanism for handling complaints regarding BBC coverage.”