General Synod supports PM over Christianity remarks

More than 50 scientists and public figures have criticised Prime Minister David Cameron for saying Britain is a Christian country, saying he risks causing "alienation" in society.

An open letter to the Daily Telegraph stated: "We object to his characterisation of Britain as a 'Christian country' and the negative consequences for politics and society that this engenders."

However, Christina Rees from the Church of England's governing body, the General Synod, said it was ''easy to knock a prime minister and also knock the Christian faith''.

"If David Cameron were a Buddhist and said that practising Buddhism gave him peace, I don't think this group of people would be writing letters complaining,'' she said.