THE Bishops of the Diocese of Salisbury will vote for Britain to remain in the European Union.

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, and the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Revd Dr Edward Condry, announced their decision yesterday.

All three acknowledged there were Christians of deep integrity on both sides of the debate.

Explaining his choice, the Rt Revd Holtam said: “The tone and style of the debate has become deeply damaging. Many of us, and especially those still undecided, feel let down by the quality of the debate, with exaggerated claims and scaremongering on both sides.

"There has been a coarsening of politics through this campaign which had begun to feel dangerous even before Jo Cox’s murder.

“There are Christians of deep integrity passionately engaged on both sides of the campaign.

“We should be proud that the Church of England remains a Church in which people of differing opinions find a home with God and their neighbours. Christians have a responsibility to debate respectfully and care for those who disagree with them.

“We cannot know for certain, but having listened to the case made by both sides, I am convinced that remaining in the EU offers the best future for the United Kingdom.

"Remaining in the EU is the best way for British leadership in the world.

“One example for me as the Church of England’s lead bishop on the environment, is the care of God’s creation, our common home.

"Pollution does not stop at national borders. Britain in Europe has made a big difference in international negotiations. A bloc with half a billion people can do that. A country of 60 million on its own can’t.”

The Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham said: “People in their twenties and thirties seem to be strongly for Remain and they are the people who will live with this decision for a generation.

"Both sides seem to accept there will be at least a period of economic turbulence after a vote for Brexit. Younger people always suffer most in any recession.

"I worry about our social stability and for those who have had to take on very large mortgages to buy a home.

“Britain has had an awkward role in the EU, with our government saying things others didn’t really want to hear. That’s often the most valuable role in any group, but you have to be in the group to make it.”

The Rt Revd Dr Edward Condry, Bishop of Ramsbury, said: “I welcome the passion that the EU debate has stirred, but the negative focus on immigration ignores Britain’s history of being outward facing, confident and tolerant.

“This is the most important vote facing the British people in a generation. Whatever your choice, it is a Christian and civic duty to vote on 23 June.”