Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has again criticised senior figures in the Church of England, accusing them of misunderstanding what their congregations expect on migration policy.
Speaking during a press conference in Dover on Monday, Mr Farage said bishops were unaware of what their flocks truly want and he defended his party’s stance on immigration.
“I think they've got a rather twisted view of what their flock in this country actually want them to do, and we are completely open to genuine refugees,” he said.
“They must have their heads in the sand, these bishops, if they cannot see that aggressive young males chucking their iPhones and passports into the English Channel at the 12 mile line so we can't find out who they are — if they don't understand that that is a threat to our country, then frankly, they're not doing a very good job.”
The comments follow similar remarks last August, when Mr Farage said bishops were "out of touch with their flocks".
At the time, Rt Rev Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford told Premier Christian News that the Reform UK leader's position on migration lacked Christian compassion and added that church leaders have a responsibility to challenge politicians when they move away from core Christian values.
Mr Farage's comments came as Reform UK pledged to restore Britain's Christian heritage if it is elected into government.
