The Bishop of Oxford has told Premier Christian News that Nigel Farage’s comments on migration lack Christian compassion.

Launching Reform’s ‘Operation Restoring Justice,’ the party leader said all “illegal” migrants, including women and children arriving on small boats, would be deported should Reform be elected to office.  

Farage accused church leaders of being “out of touch with their own flock,” when asked whether the plans were incompatible with British Christian values.

He doubled down on the comments, taking aim at the Church of England: "Given the types of people appointed to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, that is probably the biggest understatement of the day.”

Rt Revd Steven Croft told Premier's Donna Birrell he had “listened carefully” to Farage’s press conference.

“I couldn’t hear any compassion,” said the Bishop, “I also couldn’t hear any addressing of the complexity of the problem.”

Croft said it is “important” for the Church to acknowledge the leadership failures referenced by Farage, but insisted that organisational shortcomings do not take away church leaders’ “freedom to speak out and challenge politicians when they move away from core Christian values”.

Despite recent protests against migration, the Bishop insisted there is still a strong public appetite for compassion.

“It is important that church leaders are in touch with key issues and understand them. I think the British people do want immigration policies based on Christian values of compassion for the stranger fleeing for their lives.”