THE battle to save Ilkley Literature Festival funding has received heavyweight backing from journalist John Simpson.

The BBC World Affairs Editor opened the prestigious event in 2010 and signed copies of his critically acclaimed book, ‘Unreliable Sources: How the Twentieth Century Was Reported’.

He returned to Ilkley last week on a private visit and met with Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins, who took the opportunity to brief the author and journalist on Bradford Council’s plans to withdraw financial support for the Ilkley Literature Festival.

Mr Hopkins has branded proposals to strip the prestigious literature festival of its annual funding of £11,178 “outrageous” and has written to Bradford Council leader David Green to state his opposition to the move.

Now his efforts are being supported by Mr Simpson, who has written to Mr Hopkins to say how “sad” he was to hear of the funding threat now hanging over the event.

He said: “I have very pleasant memories of it, and I remember a couple I met there telling me how important the festival was for the entire region, and how it kept them in touch with the arts and cultural life of the UK and the wider world. I very much hope the decision to cut the funding will be reversed.”

Mr Hopkins said he was very grateful for Mr Simpson’s support and thanked him for giving permission for the contents of his correspondence to be made public.

The MP said: “Since its creation in 1988, the Ilkley Literature Festival has grown into the oldest and largest event of its type in the North of England.

“This is down in no small part to the unrivalled quality of literary figures and headline names in attendance down the years, including John Simpson himself, who has made two appearances.

“The support funding provided by the Council returns financial and cultural rewards multiplied many times over to the district, through increased numbers of visitors and extra tourism spend.

“These benefits are in addition to the significantly increased profile the town enjoys throughout the duration of the event, and beyond.

“I would urge local residents and, indeed, everyone who cares about the future of the Ilkley Literature Festival to make their views known by contributing to the Council’s budget consultation exercise which closes later this month.

“This can be done by logging onto the Bradford Council website.

“The festival must be protected and it is crucial that all of us who care about the event’s future play our part.”

Ilkley Festival director Rachel Feldberg said: “John Simpson is a great favourite at Ilkley Literature Festival, and it makes a huge difference to have support from someone of his stature.

“The festival has been very much heartened by all audience members, authors, journalists, businesses, our sponsors, schools and colleges who have come forward to say how much the festival means to them and to the district.

“We know scores of people have been in touch with Bradford Council to ask them to reconsider. We’re proud to be part of Bradford and we want to continue to work with its citizens and their children and young people in schools across the city.”