PM hits back at Welby on poverty

THE Archbishop of Canterbury’s criticisms of the Government’s record on helping the poor were dismissed by Theresa May last night, writes Jack Doyle.

The head of the Church of England sparked outrage among Tories this month when he attacked Government welfare reforms in a speech to the Trades Union Congress.

But speaking to journalists in New York, the PM made clear her disagreement with Justin Welby, saying she believed ‘ work is the best route out of poverty’.

Mrs May, the daughter of a vicar and a regular churchgoer, suggested she did not give any extra weight to his views because of his position.

She said: ‘The Archbishop and I sometimes disagree on things … just as I will disagree with other members of the Church of England on things.’

Asked if she thought he should stay out of politics, Mrs May defended her record, and pointed to the thriving jobs market.

She said: ‘The employment figures we see are very important because work is the best route out of poverty – having systems to encourage people to work, ensuring those jobs are created is important.’

Writing in the Mail earlier this month the Most Rev Welby criticised the lack of opportunity for young people and said the wealthy should pay more tax. He said: ‘We cannot continue with an economy that works so badly for so many.’