The Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, has written to Blake Stephenson MP to express his “profound disagreement” with comments attributed to the MP about so-called “no-go zones” in Luton.
In his letter, Bishop Richard says the comments, made at a Conservative Party Conference fringe meeting about migration, do not reflect the reality of Luton or the strength of relationships between faith communities, civic leaders and public services in the town.
Bishop Richard writes:
“I too participated in the recent Peace Walk which included both a Mosque and a Gurdwara, alongside St Mary’s Church in the centre of town. A walk that not only expresses the commitment to cohesion in Luton, but also reflects the reality of strong faith relations.”
He adds that Luton’s inter-community and inter-faith work, including close partnership with the police, local authority and other partners, is “often an exemplar for others”.
The Bishop also echoes concerns raised by Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard, who has published his own letter to Blake Stephenson MP responding to the reported comments.
Read the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s letter.
The full text of Bishop Richard’s letter is published below.
6 October 2026
Dear Blake,
As I come to the end of over fourteen years as Bishop of Bedford, including leadership of the Church of England in Luton, I reflect on, and give thanks for, the experience of many positive relationships with our MPs, including yourself. It was good to see you on Saturday at Sundon.
It is all the sadder therefore that I feel I must write to express profound disagreement with, and concern at, your comments on ‘no-go zones’ to the Conservative Conference fringe meeting about migration. I echo the comments made by the Bedfordshire PCC in his letter.
I too participated in the recent Peace Walk which included both a Mosque and a Gurdwara, alongside St Mary’s Church in the centre of town. A walk that not only expresses the commitment to cohesion in Luton, but also reflects the reality of strong faith relations. As someone with a long record of engagement in national and local interfaith matters I know that the inter-community and inter-faith work in Luton, including close partnership with the Police, Local Authority and other partners, is often an exemplar for others.
As a country we do have many challenges in relation to building social cohesion, including between those who are affluent and those who are not. All the more acute at this time of austerity. This requires committed and generous relations with our neighbours, not words that neither reflect the reality, nor bring people together.
Christ’s command to ‘Love our neighbour’ remains an excellent guide for us all.
Yours sincerely,
The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, OBE – Bishop of Bedford