Anglican posters challenge Robinson call to 'put Christ back in Christmas'

The Church of England is launching a challenge to the anti-migrant message of Tommy Robinson whose "unite the kingdom" movement has urged its supporters to join a carol singing event to "put the Christ back into Christmas".

- Harriet Sherwood

Posters are to go on display at bus stops, saying: “Christ has always been in Christmas” and “Outsiders welcome”. They will also be available for local churches to download and display over the festive period.

The move comes amid growing unease among church leaders about the rise of Christian nationalism and the appropriation of Christian symbols to bolster the views of Robinson's supporters.

There was a significant presence of Christian symbols, including wooden crosses and flags bearing Christian slogans, at a “unite the kingdom” march in September, as well as chants of “Christ is king” and calls to defend “God, faith, family, homeland”.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has said there will be a Christmas carol event at an undisclosed outdoor venue in central London on Saturday.