The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Rowan Williams (left) and John Sentamu PA

THE Archbishop of Canterbury has urged voters not to let anger at politicians’ expenses push them to favour the far-right British National Party.

Rowan Williams, together with the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, said in a joint statement on behalf of the Church of England House of Bishops, that it was understandable people were angry and disillusioned with some MPs following recent revelations.

But they said it would be "tragic" if people chose not to vote, or to register a protest vote, at the European Parliamentary and local elections on 4 June.

Williams and Sentamu said the forthcoming elections were taking place "at a time of extraordinary turbulence in our democratic system".

"The temptation to stay away or register a protest vote in order to send a negative signal to the parties represented at Westminster will be strong," they said.

"In our view, however, it would be tragic if the understandable sense of anger and disillusionment with some MPs over recent revelations led voters to shun the ballot box."

"It would be tragic if the understandable sense of anger and disillusionment with some MPs over recent revelations led voters to shun the ballot box"

The Archbishops said some parties would exploit the current political situation if elected and said the BNP fostered "fear and division within communities, especially between people of different faiths or racial background".

They said: "This is not a moment for voting in favour of any political party whose core ideology is about sowing division in our communities and hostility on grounds of race, creed or colour.

"It is an opportunity for renewing the vision of a community united by mutual respect, high ethical standards and the pursuit of justice and peace."

Williams and Sentamu urged "great vigilance" when deciding who to vote for in the elections.

"Those whom we elect to local councils and the European Parliament will represent us and our collective interests for many years to come.

"It is crucial to elect those who wish to uphold the democratic values and who wish to work for the common good in a spirit of public service, which urgently needs to be reaffirmed in these difficult days," they said.

"We hope that electors will use their vote on June 4 to renew the vision of a community united by the common good, public service and the pursuit of justice."