THE Archbishop of York has spoken out over a political party leader's comments on plans to deport asylum seekers.
Stephen Cottrell, who is currently acting head of the Church of England while a new Archbishop of Canterbury is chosen, speaking in a national paper said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's plans to deport asylum seekers to war zones is "beneath us as a nation".
Speaking in The Mirror the archbishop said it has long been the British way to meet those asking for help with "compassion and understanding". And he warned that 'send them back' is "not a sensible and compassionate response".
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The Archbishop warned that Britain "cannot simply close the door" to those fleeing war, violence and persecution. It comes days after Mr Farage - who has previously said Christianity "should be recognised by Government at all levels" and claimed Christian values make this country great - pledged to send asylum seekers back to countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea and Sudan.
The Archbishop said: “We cannot simply close the door on people fleeing war, violence and persecution. ‘Send them all back’ is not a sensible or compassionate response, and is beneath us as a nation.
"We need a system that is fair and functional and works well for everyone – including those living near hotels and other asylum accommodation. But this debate also goes to the heart of who we are.
"It is the Christian way to meet those asking for help with compassion and understanding, and it has long been the British way to give shelter where we can to those escaping violence and conflict abroad. It should remain that way.”
Mr Farage unveiled Reform plans to deport up to 600,000 asylum seekers in its first year in power if it wins the next general election.
He sparked outrage when he said he was prepared to do a deal with the Taliban to return asylum seekers.
However Mr Farage failed to answer when asked how much he would be prepared to pay Iran and the Taliban to take deportees back.
Reports have recently suggested that Farage could miss the return to Parliament on September 1 for a trip to the US.
According to The Mirror, Mr Farage is expected to head to Washington, DC to speak at the National Conservatism conference on September 2.
Run by the Edmund Burke Foundation, the conference will also see the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, speak.
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