Culture Secretary Sajid Javid has criticised the Tricycle Theatre’s decision to boycott the UK Jewish Film Festival.

In a letter to UKJFF chair Stephen Margolis, he said the theatre had been “misguided” in demanding the festival drop its sponsorship by the Israeli embassy.

Mr Javid, the Tory MP for Bromsgrove, told the JC: “I am concerned about the impact of its decision.

“It would be very disappointing indeed if it meant the excellent UK Jewish Film Festival could not go ahead as planned.

“I hope the Tricycle and festival organisers can find a way forward.”

Mr Javid, a long-time supporter of Conservative Friends of Israel, said he had contacted both parties about the row.

UKJFF films will now be shown at more than 10 venues for the November festival. They include the Arthouse Crouch End, the Barbican, BFI Southbank, Cine Lumiere, the Everyman cinema, JW3, Odeon Swiss Cottage, Odeon South Woodford, the Phoenix cinema, all in London, and the Cornerhouse in Manchester and Broadway in Nottingham.