THE Ven Bob White, Archdeacon of Portsdown and vicar of St Mary's Church, Fratton, has responded to the arrival of a migrant boat in Eastney and the potential arrival of migrants in Gosport - and the protests that surrounded these arrivals.

He has written a column for the Portsmouth News, in which he has said the following:

"THIS is my city. I was born here and I have lived and worked here all my life. I care deeply about it - and am proud of what it represents.

"One of the things that struck me about current discussion on migration is the sense of helplessness for all concerned.

"Imagine how desperate you must feel to jump onto an inflatable boat taking 30 hours to cross the Channel. Imagine how helpless you’d feel in the middle of the night, floating in dangerous waters. Yet people pay to do so, because there is no legal way to claim asylum until you actually arrive in the UK.

"I also understand the helplessness that people in Portsmouth and Gosport feel as they hear of potential migrants landing here. They feel they are not being heard. No wonder residents feel they must protest on the streets. It is a measure of how powerless they feel.

"I see the helplessness of local people who see peaceful protests being used by extremists with a different agenda. If a protest turns into violence, if chants turn racist, and if desperate people seeking asylum are dehumanised, then a line is crossed.

"I even see the helplessness of local politicians. I led prayers at the Portsmouth City Council meeting debating this issue, so saw it myself. Despite what happened in Gosport on Tuesday and some reassurances from the government, civic leaders know it’s not ultimately up to them whether small boats arrive here, with the risk of civil disobedience that might follow.

"I agree with those who argue that Portsmouth and Gosport are totally unsuitable places for boats of migrants to land.

"But it’s easy for that sense of helplessness to turn into despair. I recognise the divisions within our communities between those who hold radically different views. But I also know the quiet, positive work that goes on in a much lower-profile way.

"Those who fled from horrific conflict in places such as Ukraine or Iran were welcomed into our homes and communities. Christians from across the globe worship together in our churches. Those in need are fed and clothed by our Foodbanks and charities.

"Christians know that God loves and values those from all backgrounds, with all political views, and from all countries - and does not discriminate between them.

"We want to work together to ensure peace and stability in our city. So we’ll recommit ourselves to working to reconcile those who are divided, and to promote understanding of our common humanity."