The Bishop of Oxford has said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is ‘deeply disturbing’ for seeking to play on the fear of the stranger to ‘stoke division for political advantage’.
The Bishop of Oxford, the Right Reverend Doctor Steven John Lindsey Croft, has expressed concern over Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, calling his approach to migration ‘deeply disturbing’. In an open letter, the Bishop highlighted that Farage's recent migration policy announcement in Oxford lacked compassion for vulnerable migrants.
The Bishop acknowledged the importance of addressing immigration and border security, admitting that the current situation with small boats crossing the Channel is 'heartbreaking'. However, he firmly disagreed with Farage’s proposed policies, emphasising that they failed to show empathy for those fleeing danger and could dismantle essential legal protections.
He argued that the British public values compassion and care for those in need, and warned that Farage’s methods could increase fear and division within communities. The Bishop pointed out that community cohesion and mutual respect are crucial, especially as hate crimes have risen in recent months. He concluded by stating that it is troubling to see politicians exploit fear for political gain.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
