Religion is still viewed in government circles as little more than a parade of “fairies, goblins and imaginary friends” despite claims that it would now “do God”, according to Britain’s former minister for faith.

Baroness Warsi said there is still misunderstanding and hostility towards religion in “ever secular” Whitehall circles, despite efforts to change the culture.

The former Tory Chairman urged Theresa May – whom she described as “somebody of faith … somebody who understands faith” - to reinstate the post of faith minister which was quietly dropped after the last election.

Lady Warsi was speaking alongside the Labour former Communities Secretary John Denham and Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC’s head of religion and ethics, at a garden party in Surrey, organised by the think-tank British Future, to discuss how to develop a more “English” brand of Islam.

The event, next to the graves of British Muslim soldiers from the two world wars, included a rendition of a collection of Muslim hymns set in the style of English choral music by the choir of Woking High School.