Bishop Christopher has responded to today's news that shipbuilding will cease in Portsmouth.

BAe Systems has announced that its shipbuilding operation will cease in the second half of next year, with the potential loss of 940 jobs.

Bishop Christopher said: "This is serious and shocking news for Portsmouth and the surrounding area. Most of all for those whose jobs are directly now at risk and their families but for the whole community and local economy.

"The decision of BAe and the government will not be understood by most of us and does no justice to the commitment of this city and area to our island and naval safety for generations."