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A former Archbishop of Canterbury has accused Nigel Farage of using Christianity to “channel anti-Muslim feeling”. Rowan Williamson also claimed the Reform UK leader was using Christianity to be “taken seriously outside England”. He told the New Humanist magazine: “I suspect really that Farage and others want to channel anti-Muslim feeling, and it helps to have ‘we’re a Christian society’ to fling back. It gives a sort of ballast.”

On what is driving Christian nationalism in Britain, he added: “There are lots of possible causes. Anxiety about migration, anti-Islamism. “Ironically, for someone like Nigel Farage, it’s about trying to find a presentational strategy that allows him to be taken seriously outside England. He’s often not here, after all.”

Mr Farage last year appointed theologian and academic James Orr, who has ties to US President Donald Trump’s administration, as a senior adviser to him.

Mr Williams said: “Although Nigel Farage thought it was worth getting a theologian on board for Reform UK, I don’t think he lies awake at night thinking about his soul.

“I may be doing the man an injustice, but I don’t believe he cares about profound theological questions.”

But commentator Fleur Elizabeth Meston hit back at Mr Williamson over his “divisive” attack.

She told GB News: “I think it is entirely false, and the fact that Farage has entrusted Zia Yusuf, a Muslim, in a prominent position within the Reform party just immediately puts to that any claims of Reform or Farage having a anti-Muslim agenda.

“I think it’s mischief making, it’s divisive and he just needs to stop repeating these claims, it’s wrong.”

Reform UK declined to comment.