Bishops have slammed a carol service put on by Tommy Robinson. The English Defence League founder has organised the "Putting Christ back into Christmas" service in Whitehall, taking place today. Robinson said on X (formerly Twitter) that the service, with live music and Bible readings, is "a rally for our values, a beacon of hope amid the chaos of mass migration and cultural erosion that threatens our way of life". He added on the event email: "It's a statement that Britain belongs to the British people, and our Christian heritage will not be silenced." But the event has caused some anger among members of the Church of England, who have said that Christian values are being "weaponised" by the far-right.

David Walker, the bishop of Manchester, said that "exaggerated, distorted, or occasionally fabricated" stories about Christmas being "cancelled" are designed to stoke anger and division. Bishops at the Diocese of Southwark said that Christ has always been at the heart of Christmas, and the core of the Christian faith is the belief that God loves everyone. Their statement said: "Those who claim him need to be serious about what he stands for. The authenticity of a person's faith may be judged by their actions.

"Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable, and we are gravely concerned about the use of Christian symbols and rhetoric to apparently justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric.

"We understand that there are many who may be swept up in movements like this who don't necessarily buy in wholesale to what is being said.

"We would encourage them to think again, to consider what kind of world they want to be a part of - and to choose compassion and understanding over hostility and conflict. We are proud of our nation and our communities - and we know that we are better than this."

The Church of England posted a short video on its YouTube channel, titled Christmas Isn't Cancelled, disputing the idea that "the joy of Christmas is under threat". The video said: "In every church, in every parish, in every cathedral, in every corner of the country you will find a story of hope, joy and love."

Robinson converted to Christianity earlier this year while serving a seven-month sentence in jail for contempt of court. He says he was visited by a prison chaplain three times a week.

He has said that the 'Unite the Kingdom' service, which is taking place outside of Downing Street, is "not a political protest". There will be a counter-protest by Stand Up To Racism and Care4Calais.