The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are calling on the banks to show mercy in the same way the nation did to them during their bail out in 2008.

Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell have written an open letter as the coronavirus pandemic enters what's being described as a second wave.

On Wednesday new measures are being unveiled by chancellor Rishi Sunak to help the UK financially.

The Anglican leaders say the banks need to play their part too.

Referencing the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18, they wrote: "It will be for us and others to encourage the banks, who received such help in 2009, to be equally merciful to others as the nation was to them.

"St Matthew 18:23-35 seems highly relevant."

They're also encouraging Christians to offer hope through this pandemic while highlighting the problems the nation faces such as hunger, homelessness, mental health pressures and domestic violence.

"Most of all we need to draw close to Christ, and continue to offer the hope and stability of the gospel.

"It is this gospel joy, even in the darkest times, that alone can help us through this crisis, bringing hope and an eternal perspective to the very pressing trials of the moment."

Meanwhile Justin Welby has taken to Twitter to encourage believers to love their neighbour by following social distancing and wearing masks.