Neeson blasts decision to axe Film Council

Liam Neeson has voiced his opinion on the government's decision to scrap the UK Film Council.

The Batman Begins star spoke at the UK premiere of The A-Team on Tuesday, calling the move "deplorable".

He told BBC News: "I think the decision is… the word deplorable comes to mind. We have to do something about it. We need movies. It's a powerful industry that provides a credible entertainment for millions of people and I think it is wrong, I just think it is wrong for the government [to do this].

"I know we need to tighten our belts but not with our movie council. They can't, we need it. It is a lifeblood for any culture."

The Council had a budget of £15m to spend on British films.

Director Mike Leigh also attacked the decision, saying: "It's from left of field in a very sudden and devastating way."