Some peers laughed during his speech in parliament on Thursday, prompting criticism of its content and tone, in light of the John Smyth abuse scandal that led to Mr Welby's resignation.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has been forced to apologise for his "hurtful" final speech in the House of Lords after being accused of "making light" of his scandal-ridden resignation. The disgraced religious leader referenced a 14th-century beheading in the Lords,

The outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has come under fire over a speech to the House of Lords in his first public address since announcing his resignation under a storm of controversy last month.

Justin Welby joked about his own career demise after he was forced to resign following a daming report on church abuse

The Archbishop of Canterbury said a “head had to roll” after the Church of England’s handling of the John Smyth sexual abuse scandal was made clear in a damming report.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has apologised after being accused of making light of serious safeguarding failures in the Church of England. The Most Rev Justin Welby made his final speech in the House of Lords on Thursday and referred to a 14th-century beheading,