The Archbishop of Canterbury has linked Donald Trump to fascism in an open attack on “populist politics”.
In a speech to the General Synod – the governing body of the Church of England – the Most Reverend Justin Welby, head of the Church of England (pictured) said the “language of public life is at present deeply, savagely divided”.
In his speech yesterday, he said: “There are a thousand ways to explain the Brexit vote, or the election of President Trump, or the strength in the polls in Holland of [far-right Dutch politician] Geert Wilders or in France of Madame Le Pen and many other leaders in a nationalist, populist, or even fascist tradition of politics.”
Welby is the latest British establishment figure to take a swipe at Trump. Last week the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, triggered anger by branding Trump as “racist and sexist”, saying he would be “strongly opposed” to him addressing the British parliament during his state visit this year.
Welby, who was a vocal supporter of Britain remaining in the European Union, also told the Synod that Britain’s economic and social future looked bleak. However, he claimed that with the Church’s help, matters could be improved, adding: “This is a moment to reimagine Britain, a moment of potential opportunity, certainly combined with immensely hard work and heavy lifting.”
