THE Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, was one of many to sign a letter written by the Church of England calling for the Government to increase the number of Syrian refugees being allowed access into the country.

In the letter addressed to the Prime Minister, it stated that England should take in “at least 10,000 people a year for the next two years, rising to a minimum of 50,000 in total over the five year period”.

The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson recognised the UK’s long history of welcoming refugees, referencing his own grandparents who took a family of German Jewish refugees into their home during the Second World War.

He said: “In the end it’s up to the Government to make the judgment as to who and how many refugees are allowed to settle in this country. But meanwhile it’s up to all of us to promote PEACE – that is to pray, to educate, to act, campaign and engage.”