Church leaders are urging the Government to make amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill.

The legislation has been heavily criticised by faith groups, as it could make it harder for genuine asylum seekers to enter the country, particularly those fleeing domestic abuse. 

The open letter, signed by both the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Church Conference, as well as a number of other leaders from within the denomination, criticises the current plans, saying that the Bill "creates hostility and fosters discrimination against some of the most vulnerable people in the world." 

The Bill is currently in the final stages, but members of the House of Lords are seeking to make crucial amendments. 

The letter has been previously signed by faith leaders across many of the UK's most prominent Christian denominations. 

The letter concludes: "At this time of Easter, as Christians we celebrate new life and new hope. 

"Our faith tells us that our God-given hope in new life should influence the way we treat our neighbour, wherever they come from. 

"As the Nationality and Borders Bill comes before you this week, we ask you to consider how your vote demonstrates how you care for those most vulnerable in our world.

"Regardless of the outcome of this week's vote, we will not stop advocating for love to be shown to our neighbour through the policies and practices in our asylum system. 

"Churches across the UK will continue to come alongside those who remain in desperate need of our friendship and welcome."