THE Bishop of Worcester has waded into the EU referendum debate - saying a Brexit would make the world "much more dangerous".

Dr John Inge has made a plea for voters to back the 'Remain' camp by claiming Britain's standing among its peers, the economy and even UK sovereignty is at stake.

He has also defended his stance on getting involved in the first place, saying the matter is "too important to be left to politicians".

Dr Inge, who has called it "the most significant decision of our generation", said:

"The fact is, a vote by us to leave could well precipitate the beginning of the breakup of the European Union.

"That would be very risky from a geopolitical perspective, it would make the world a much more dangerous place.

"That's why Barack Obama and most world leaders are so exercised about the prospect, and why Vladimir Putin would love it to happen."

He also said many of the "unsatisfactory" sides to the EU could only be reformed to Britain's advantage if we stayed in.

"Even with its faults it has been described as the twentieth century's 'dullest miracle'." he said.

"It's because of the EU, that it's now unthinkable that the countries of Europe, which fought each other so fiercely a couple of generations ago, should now go to war with one another.

"It continues to have a hugely important part to play on the world stage - it will be much stronger with us in."

Dr Ingle has published a lengthy argument about his position on the Diocese of Worcester website, where he also says migration fears are a red herring.

He said: "Every scenario suggested for our relationship to the other countries of Europe if we were to leave, the Swiss model, the Norwegian model, would oblige us to allow free movement of people from Europe as we do now.

"In any event, this country has consistently benefited from immigration economically, culturally and spiritually.

"People also worry about sovereignty.

"Boris Johnson accused Barack Obama of being hypocritical in urging us to remain when it involves sacrificing sovereignty, in a way America would never countenance.

"One could be forgiven for thinking that Boris has never heard of NATO, which obliges all of its members to go to war if another is attacked.

"That’s a sacrifice of sovereignty if ever there was one."

He said if the UK quit it would be "hard to envisage how we could re-join", saying it could "therefore be construed as sacrificing sovereignty".

He added: "As a Christian I want the world to be a safer, more peaceful place.

"I believe our EU membership contributes hugely to that."

Meanwhile, official estimates released yesterday revealed how migrants will add four million to Britain's population by 2024.

Campaigners from 'Leave' have leapt on it, saying voters should opt to leave the EU to "regain control over our borders".