The UK's top bishop has dubbed Nigel Farage's plans to deport all illegal migrants as 'not the Christian way' and claims it is 'beneath us as a nation'.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell blasted the Reform UK leader's proposals to 'send them back' as 'not a sensible and compassionate response'.
It comes amid widespread protests outside asylum seeker hotels as Labour faces major questions over the amount of illegal migrants crossing the channel and staying in taxpayer-funded accommodation.
But Mr Cottrell, who is second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury, said Britain 'cannot simply close the door' to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Dismissing Brits' concerns over the number of illegal migrant crossings, he called for people to instead show them Christian traits of 'compassion and understanding'.
