Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby claims post-Brexit Britain could be ‘beacon of hope’ to a ‘troubled world’
Justin Welby's New Year message offered hope ahead of UK's divorce from the EU and spoke of the nation's need to reconcile differences after 'tough' referendum campaign
BRITAIN can flourish in a post-Brexit world, The Archbishop of Canterbury declared yesterday in his New Year message.
Justin Welby described the EU referendum campaign as tough but said the UK could be a "beacon of hope" to a "troubled world" if we take hold of our "new future with determination and courage".
He said after a year that had caused divisions, people needed to look to the country's roots to find strength.
He told a congregation in Coventry: "The EU referendum was a tough campaign and it has left divisions.
"But I know that if we look at our roots, our history and our culture in the Christian tradition, if we reach back into what is best in this country, we will find a path towards reconciling the differences that have divided us.
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"If we are welcoming to those in need, if we are generous in giving, if we take hold of our new future with determination and courage - then we will flourish."
The archbishop echoed Prime Minister Theresa May, who called for unity following June's vote in her new year message.
