Lee Anderson has demanded the Archbishop of Canterbury start putting up migrants in his own private palace, amid his opposition to the Government’s Rwanda Bill.
Speaking in the House of Lords last night, Justin Welby claimed the Government’s tough plans are “damaging Britain’s reputation and the rule of law”.
The top priest added that the Government’s flagship Bill is “leading the nation down a damaging path”.
He said: “It is damaging for asylum seekers in need of protection… It is damaging for this country’s reputation.
“It is damaging in respect of constitutional principles and the rule of law. And most of all, it is damaging for our nation’s unity in a time when the greatest issues of war, peace, defence and security need us to be united.”
While the Archbishop won plaudits from left-wing opponents of the Government’s plan to control the country’s borders, Lee Anderson blasted Mr Welby’s “hypocrisy”.
He told the Mail: “Literally nobody on the streets of my constituency is bothered about our international reputation when it comes to illegal migration”.
“I walk by Lambeth Palace most days which I am sure could house hundreds of illegal migrants in the archbishop’s second home.
“When hypocrites like the archbishop open up the doors to every church building in the UK, then he may be taken seriously.”
The top Red Wall Tory added: “The only thing damaging our reputation within our own country is people like the archbishop, who says one thing and does another.”
Mr Anderson was joined in his criticism of the top cardinal by Nigel Farage, who blasted him for failing to offer “any alternative whatsoever”.
Speaking on GB News last night, Mr Farage said Mr Welby “talks about unity”.
He said: “I tell you what Archbishop, if there was a referendum on this there would be real unity because a very large majority would say that those that cross illegally shouldn’t be allowed to stay, they shouldn’t be coming by this route.
“He says we can do better and yet I don’t hear him offer any alternative whatsoever.
“In fact when I hear the Labour Party and others say we can do better than this, all they ever talk about is cracking down on the criminal gangs in northern France.
“But the problem is these people in a calm week in summer can make between two and three million euros per gang.
“It seems to me however tough you crack down when there are financial incentives as big as that they will continue to traffic people across the English Channel.”
Despite vocal opposition, the Government secured a win in the House of Lords yesterday evening.
A Lib Dem amendment to block the Bill altogether was defeated by 206 votes to just 84, meaning the legislation can now continue to the committee stage.
