Britain should be more welcoming to immigrants, says head of UK Roman Catholic Church

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Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, used his Christmas Homily to highlight the needs of the excluded and the importance of Christian compassion towards the less fortunate.

He delivered his message at Westminster Cathedral, London during Midnight Mass and broadcast live on BBC Radio 4.

"The event we call Christmas, the birth of Jesus is evidently meant for everyone," he said, stressing that it was important that Christians "should seek to ensure that nothing and nobody remains untouched by the tidings of comfort and joy that came from heaven on the first Christmas night".

While acknowledging the need for immigration to be controlled, he drew particular attention to the way in which migrants were treated.

The Cardinal said: "A theme which is much in the news in Britain at the moment is the question of the many immigrant peoples who come to our country. Most immigrants come to our country because they wish to have a better life and work so as to provide for their families.

"What concerns me at the moment is our attitude as a nation to these many immigrants. Many of these people are trying, for perfectly good reasons, to enter Britain and they need to be welcomed.

"I understand that immigration needs to be controlled. However, sometimes they must feel like Joseph when he returned to Bethlehem after exile in Egypt, simply excluded because they are outsiders."