The Archbishop of Canterbury has responded to the MP for Stoke on Trent North who on Monday criticised bishops for sharing their thoughts on the government Rwanda policy.

Jonathan Gillis said during an interview at BBCs World at One programme that the bishops in the House of Lords shouldn’t “be preaching about politics” but instead should be “looking in-house at the wide abuse claims”.

Several bishops in the House of Lords had called the Rwanda policy “immoral”. Only last week, Most Rev Justin Welby had asked the government for an immigration policy based on compassion and recognition of human dignity.

But unhappy with his comments, Gillis also called on the Archbishop of Canterbury to spend his time “focusing on the Church’s reputation”.

On Wednesday Archbishop Justin responded to the criticism.

Writing on Twitter he said:  “Always grateful for feedback - look forward to advice on what we should be doing in the pulpit.

“(Just to confirm: we’ll be continuing to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.)”

Gillis made the comments following Monday’s High Court ruling confirming the government can go ahead with the plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Campaigners had argued the plans were illegal, but the ruling said the policy had complete legal validity.