Starmer Refuses to Back Justin Welby after Clamour for Archbishop to Resign

Labour leader rejects calls from senior Tories for the Archbishop of Canterbury to stand down over Rwanda deportation row

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has refused to back calls from senior Tories for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to resign over his criticism of the government's Rwanda deportation policy.

Welby's Criticism of Rwanda Policy

Welby had described the policy as "the opposite of the nature of God" and said it "cannot stand the judgement of God".

His comments sparked a backlash from some Conservative MPs, with former Brexit minister David Davis saying he should "stick to preaching" and former party chairman Lord Tebbit saying he should "keep his nose out of politics".

Starmer's Response

Asked whether Welby should resign during an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Starmer said: "No, I don't think he should resign."

"I think he's entitled to express his view. I think he's expressed his view in a very measured and thoughtful way."

Government's Rwanda Policy

The government's Rwanda policy, which was announced in April, will see asylum seekers who arrive in the UK illegally sent to Rwanda to have their claims processed.

The policy has been widely criticized by human rights groups and charities, who say it is inhumane and will put lives at risk.

It has also been challenged in the courts, with the first hearing due to take place on Monday.

Welby's Role as Archbishop of Canterbury

Welby is the spiritual head of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

He has been a vocal critic of the government on a number of issues, including poverty, inequality and climate change.

His comments on the Rwanda policy have reignited a debate about the role of the Church of England in society.

Analysis

Starmer's refusal to back calls for Welby to resign is significant because it shows that he is not prepared to be drawn into a political row over the issue.

It also suggests that he recognizes the importance of the Church of England's role in society, even if he does not always agree with its views.

The debate over Welby's comments is likely to continue in the run-up to the next general election, with both Labour and the Conservatives likely to use it to attack each other on the issues of immigration and social justice.