Richard Tice hits back at C of E criticism of Reform immigration policy

Deputy leader says archbishop should stay out of matter after Stephen Cottrell calls policy isolationist and kneejerk

Reform UK has engaged in a war of words with the Church of England over the party’s plans to deport all asylum seekers who arrive in small boats, after the church’s most senior bishop called the proposal “isolationist, short-term [and] kneejerk”.

Richard Tice, the party’s deputy leader, hit back against the archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, on Sunday, accusing him of interfering in domestic politics.