'Stand up for Christians!' Nigel Farage slams Archbishop of Canterbury in extremism row

By Katie Harris, Political Reporter

Archbishop of Canterbury comes under fire from Nigel Farage (Image: PA)

Nigel Farage hit out at the Archbishop of Canterbury in a row over the Government's planned new definition of extremism.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York warned in a joint statement that the new official definition risks "more division".

The Most Reverend Justin Welby and the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell said it may threaten freedom of speech, worship and protest, while "disproportionately targeting Muslim communities".

Responding to Mr Welby sharing the statement on X, Mr Farage said: "Is it possible that just for one day this man will stand up for Christians?"

In their joint message, the Church of England's most senior clerics said the "growing division between different communities in this country" is a threat to the country's "rich diversity".

They said: "How our leaders respond to this is far too important for a new definition of extremism to be its cure.

"Instead of providing clarity or striking a conciliatory tone, we think labelling a multi-faceted problem as hateful extremism may instead vilify the wrong people and risk yet more division.

"The new definition being proposed not only inadvertently threatens freedom of speech, but also the right to worship and peaceful protest - things that have been hard won and form the fabric of a civilised society.

"Crucially, it risks disproportionately targeting Muslim communities, who are already experiencing rising levels of hate and abuse."

The archbishops continued: "We are concerned - like so many others - by its implications for public life.

"We join calls for the Government to reconsider its approach and instead have a broad-based conversation with all those who it will affect.

"The UK has a proud history of welcoming people from all walks of life and celebrating diversity. We are a community of communities.

"Our leaders should cherish and promote that - and pursue policies that bring us together, not risk driving us apart."

Communities Secretary Michael Gove is expected to produce a new official definition of extremism later this week.

Groups captured by the term are set to be effectively blacklisted by the Government and public bodies, and cut off from public funding and engagement.

The decision to produce a new definition of extremism comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier this month used an address to the nation outside Downing Street to warn democracy is being targeted by extremists.

Mr Sunak and his administration have been concerned about pro-Palestine protests being hijacked by Islamists who want to spread messages of hate.