THE Bishop of Carlisle is calling for a collective demonstration of "grace, respect and understanding" on the eve of the Parliamentary vote on the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal.

The Rt Rev James Newcome sits in the House of Lords as the Church of England’s lead bishop on health issues.

He was also a co-signatory of a joint statement released by the House of Bishops before Christmas and which called for ‘courage, integrity and clarity for our politicians’ in the Brexit debate.

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Ahead of the vote in the House of Commons on the Brexit deal secured by Theresa May, Bishop James is renewing his call for understanding to be shown by all.

He said: “To love our neighbour as ourselves is one of the greatest commandments that Christians can uphold. This holds true regardless of whether we choose to agree or disagree with one another on certain issues and so it follows that all our discussions and debates should be conducted in a spirit of grace, respect and understanding.

Bishop James added: "at this time my prayer is that our politicians can come together for a vote on the Brexit deal with listening ears, open hearts and gracious spirits.

"I know that there has been much prayer in churches across the diocese throughout the whole Brexit process and that this will continue as we move on from Tuesday’s vote.

“I also pray that whatever the outcome of the debate this week that our churches may be able to contribute to a process of true reconciliation across the nation.”