The UK's top bishop has urged the British government to show 'compassion and understanding' to illegal migrants amid a mass deportation plan. Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell blasted the Reform UK leader's proposals to 'send them back' as 'not a sensible and compassionate response'. It comes amid widespread protests outside asylum seeker hotels as Labour faces major questions over the number of illegal migrants crossing the channel and staying in taxpayer-funded accommodation. But Cottrell said Britain 'cannot simply close the door' to those fleeing conflict and persecution. He also dismissed Brits' concerns over the number of illegal migrant crossings, urging that people should instead show them 'compassion and understanding'. The senior church official was forced to speak out after Nigel Farage vowed on Tuesday to deport 600,000 asylum seekers within five years if his party won the next general election. He said if he became PM, all those arriving in Britain on small boats and via other illegal routes would be detained and deported, including women and children. The party leader also pledged to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and scrap the Human Rights Act, which enshrines the convention in UK law. Mr Cottrell, who sits in the House of Lords, told the Mirror: 'It is the Christian way to meet those asking for help with compassion and understanding and it has long been the British way to give shelter where we can to those escaping violence and conflict abroad. 'It should remain that way.' He emphasised the need for a 'fair and functional' system that works all round, including for those living near hotels and other accommodation housing migrants.
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