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Facts about asylum seekers - Charlie Bolton, 15 February 2005

To: Western Daily Press

Dear Sir

Your correspondent Mark Harper talks of choice on immigration between the policies of Tory and Labour Parties. It seems to me the only choice is over which party is the most intolerant.

There is a lot of nonsense talked about the asylum issue, whipped up by papers like the Daily Express, no doubt. Here are some facts:

The UK has fewer asylum applications per head of population than many European countries, including Austria (with its far right influences), Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Luxembourg.

In fact, most asylum seekers move only to neighbouring countries. Take Sudan - conflict has led to the displacement of 4 million people. Half a million left the country. Only 930 chose to seek asylum in Britain.

Three out of four asylum seekers flee countries in conflict. For example, three of the top 5 in terms of applications to UK are people who come from Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.

People born outside the UK, including asylum seekers boosted aour economy by £2.6 billion in 1998/99.

Today’s story seems to be a Tory proposal to deny applications from those suffering from TB or who are HIV positive. Well, we might as well expel British bigots with TB or who are HIV positive.

I am sure there is a debate to be had about asylum, but we simply aren’t having it in this country. Instead, Howard and Blair are trying to outdo themselves for the xenophobic vote. Tory and Labour are trying to out-Tory each other.

I am equally sure there is a debate to be had about hiding behind national boundaries while those on the far side are allowed to starve. But don’t expect Tory or labour spin doctors to show much interest in that one.

Charlie Bolton
Parliamentary candidate
Bristol South Green Party