Theresa May's Easter message: PM says Brits are coming together and uniting after Brexit split

Prime Minister Theresa May has said people are “coming together” following the country’s split in the Brexit vote last June.

The PM used her Easter message to stress unity in Britain following the divisions created between leavers and remainers during the referendum.

Mrs May said the shared values of Brits “can – and must – bring us together” as she emphasised the role of Christianity in society.

She said: "This year, after a period of intense debate over the right future for our country, there is a sense that people are coming together and uniting behind the opportunities that lie ahead.

"For at heart, this country is one great union of people and nations with a proud history and a bright future.

"And as we face the opportunities ahead of us - the opportunities that stem from our decision to leave the European Union and embrace the world - our shared interests, our shared ambitions and above all our shared values can - and must - bring us together."

Turning to faith, she said: "We should be confident about the role that Christianity has to play in the lives of people in our country.

"And we should treasure the strong tradition that we have in this country of religious tolerance and freedom of speech.

"We must continue to ensure that people feel able to speak about their faith, and that absolutely includes their faith in Christ.

"We must be mindful of Christians and religious minorities around the world who do not enjoy these same freedoms, but who practise their religion in secret and often in fear.

"And we must do more to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to practice their beliefs openly and in peace and safety."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron hit out at sense of nostalgia and nationalism which came through the message.

He said: “Given that we are turning the clock back to the early 1970s with Brexit (or indeed the 1580s if we do end up declaring war on Spain), then nostalgia is most definitely the mood of the moment."

"Nostalgia and nationalism have become the fuel for an aggressive and irrational brand of politics that is the opposite of what liberals stand for.

"I don't want the Christian message to be stolen by the nostalgic nationalists, just as no Liberal should seek to appropriate Jesus for their own purposes either.

"But the Easter message is one of internationalism, if you like - Jesus died for you no matter who you are or where you are from.”

Reporting by Press Association.