It was good to meet with the Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden and the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, to discuss efforts to help people into work. Churches have an important role to play here – running job clubs, youth clubs, debt advice centres and boosting confidence so that people are supported into fair, secure and dignified work. Our youth and children's workers are also working with young people and encouraging them to use their skills and gifts.

Today we visited the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - the place where Jesus was born. I encourage you to come to Bethlehem - to pray and to stand in solidarity with Palestinian Christians.