Government figures released on Thursday reveal that applications for asylum in the UK have fallen by a third from April to June this year. Home Office statistics show that total applications excluding dependents numbered 10,585 which is 34% less than in the previous quarter.
However, the Conservatives claim the figures are still too high and do not accurately prove that fewer illegal immigrants are in the country.
Are popular beliefs about asylum seekers worsened by the media? Do these new figures show our asylum laws working?
This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:
I am a teacher at an FE College, and have personally experienced both types of asylum seeker. The ones who are genuine could tell you stories that would turn your hair white - it never ceases to astonish me how fellow "humans" can behave in such an evil fashion. Then on the other hand, there are the wasters who are only here to abuse the system and sponge as much as they can, showing no loyalty or gratitude towards their "new" country. Unfortunately the authorities don't seem to be able to differentiate between both groups and if this situation continues, we are headed for real problems later.
Chrissie, Scotland
You want to be supportive of asylum seekers but if you know any, particularly if you speak their language you realise there are loads of abuse. I know someone who is an asylum seeker here and does not work and has got a nice house. In fact her son is now going to have a British passport. However she told me that it was not dangerous where she is from!
David, England
 |  When will the government realise that 99% of immigrants and asylum seekers are happy to work to pay there way?  |
I find it ironic, I have a friend who I know entered the country illegally using a false European passport bought for $1000 in Bangkok, the passport was used to gain a National insurance number and he has worked her in this way for the past four years nobody suspecting anything, the irony is he has seemingly worked legally, therefore contributed in tax, NI etc., and never claimed any benefits or cost the country a single penny! When will the government realise that 99% of immigrants and asylum seekers are happy to work to pay there way? What's more than if someone is paying tax etc. they can be traced and you can keep tabs on them without resorting to ID cards etc.!
Kevin, UK I don't want to sound too cynical, but I wouldn't trust the "official" statistics too much - I'm sure that if we include the number of dependents the number may well be much higher. However, the number is relatively low and reflects that we are not being over-run at all. Britain has always been a mongrel society, so let's welcome them in for making us more diverse and interesting isle.
Alison, Leeds, UK
Those who think that there are too many people coming into the country should take note. Citizens of the ten countries joining the EU next year will be allowed to come into the UK to seek work from next year - the UK is almost alone in this. If you are complaining about asylum seekers taking away jobs, then there are going to be other sources of this 'problem' real soon now.
Chris, UK
The trouble is, the government keep trying to appease the anti-immigrant brigade rather than standing up for decency and humanity. (Which apart from anything else is a hopeless effort; those who are up in arms over the proposed asylum camps are the same people who called for asylum seekers to be locked up in the first place!) It's time the government stop pandering to racism, abandon detention camps, and instead lift the ban on asylum seekers working, so they can integrate into communities. These are human beings, let's let them work and live in peace.
Ben Drake, York, UK
| This country needs to get in line with the rest of Europe and deal with the problem |
Our asylum laws are not working or is it government policy to allow all and sundry right of entry. This country needs to get in line with the rest of Europe and deal with the problem, a lot of these people are on our shores because the rest of Europe, France being the main culprit, refuse these people and will pass them on to any country available or foolish enough to take them.
Ian, England I recently worked with a family who obtained asylum during the conflict in Kosovo. I was astonished to learn that they still own property there and regularly return to holiday and visit relatives. When I asked why they did not want to return permanently, their response was 'Oh we just prefer it here'. There are 4 adults, none of whom work, as well as 3 children in this family. I have tried my hardest to be supportive of asylum seekers but, through my job, I am now regularly seeing abuses of our system and this is changing my views on the issue.
Anon, London, UK
We go on about asylum seekers all the time, but we don't go on about white people from the countries, which used to be colonies of the UK. My uncle (a New Zealander) entered into a bogus marriage to get his passport, but no one seems to be ranting about New Zealanders abusing the system.
Graeme Phillips, UK
Where are these two to three hundred thousand new people (call them what you will) going to live? Or is it a cunning plan to push up house prices? Lowest house building since World War 1 and highest demand ever?
Steve, UK
I don't care if they are here to work or not. The fact is that any vacant jobs should be filled by British citizens before they are offered to others. The wages paid have dropped as a result and people may not work for these wages any more. Is this really a good thing that they have managed to reduce salaries for certain jobs? I don't think so.
Andy, UK
| The government is simply not doing enough to prevent illegal economic migrants from abusing the asylum system. |
The government is simply not doing enough to prevent illegal economic migrants from abusing the asylum system. There should be clear distinctions made between those who are genuinely in fear of persecution and need our protection, and those who are attracted by our easily abused welfare state. Identity cards, whilst not popular, would go a long way to showing who is entitled to benefits, housing and long term medical care. We need to be robust and remove those who abuse our hospitality, whilst remaining compassionate and accepting those who are in need of our protection. In turn, this would stop the asylum/migration issue from becoming a political football, kicked around by both the left and right wings of politics.
Freed, UK Yes, I am going to blame the right-wing tabloids, because their whipping up of uninformed frenzy is shameful. I don't think illegal immigrants should be here any more than the next person, but they are a different group altogether from asylum seekers (formally known as refugees). Illegal immigrants (ie those that sneak in) DON'T receive benefits and free housing - they are completely outside of the system.
And asylum seekers DON'T get to the top of any housing queues - but charities do sometimes buy up old and derelict council housing stock and refurbish them, which some times creates that impression. Nor do they receive much in the way of benefits - it's certainly a whole lot less than most people think. And most would love to work instead - but they are NOT ALLOWED TO. Calling all immigrant/migrants/asylum seekers 'free loaders' is showing a breathtaking lack of human compassion for desperate people, many of whom have been victims of appalling atrocities.
Katherine, UK
Of course the UK asylum laws are not working. We all know that thousands of these illegal immigrants go underground and cannot be traced. Some, I have read, have been encouraged to go underground by the officials! This country is now a disaster. The UK will be overrun with immigrants - it's ruined beyond repair.
Arabella, UK
| Stop reading the tabloids and start thinking about real people in the real world! |
I think if the majority of people spent a few hours with an asylum seeker, and heard first hand the stories of violence, rape, torture etc that people have had to endure, and then they wouldn't begrudge them anything! Stop reading the tabloids and start thinking about real people in the real world! The narrow-minded-ness, and the selfishness shown here is pitiful and embarrassing.
Sharon, Scotland Those that critized Kiwis and Australians for working in Britain should know there are over 1 million Brits in Australia and they are all welcome. It is easy for us to work in each other countries because we have similar education, language, and work skills.
Louise, Sydney, Australia
I work in Newham. Very often when I walk around, I am the only one with an English accent. Surely all these people are not working legally. There are cheats in every country, it is just easier to cheat in this country because our services are run by staff that are grossly underpaid and demoralised. Why can't there be more checks? In my official capacity I had to call immigration for details - they thanked me for letting them know where someone is!
R Clarke, UK
The rate of increase in applications alone is indication enough that asylum has simply become the route of choice for the unarmed invasion, which is now well underway. We are at the point of simply having to face up to the necessity of defending the existence of the country, as we know it. And it is this "as we know it" that is at the heart of the matter. It's time to shrug off the inevitable attacks by the cultural traitors of "racist" etc. We have the right and the duty to defend what's ours.
Angus White, usa (uk citiz)
As a representative of the quiet majority, I wish to add a bit of sense to your list of mostly ill-informed, short sighted and somewhat hateful comments. 1-The UK economy relies on immigration to fill many jobs in the hospitality industry, textiles and agriculture. 2- We receive a far lower share of immigrants relative to our population as many of our neighbours. 3- Many immigrants have contributed significantly to the wealth of our nation. 4 - There are going to be criminals in any large group of people, so why label all immigrants with the same brush. 5 - The largest immigrant population in the UK are the Irish. I appreciate that in some areas it may appear a larger issue than in others and agree that there are problems with the distribution of immigrants throughout the country, but I really do think we must calm down a bit.
Grant, UK
| I have no problem with genuine asylum seekers because if this country didn't let people I wouldn't be here |
I have no problem with genuine asylum seekers because if this country didn't let people I wouldn't be here as I have afro-Caribbean / Italian parents BUT there are people who come to this country and they are making a mockery of the system and abuse the generous country that are helping them. If they are prepared to do their bit (i.e working)and go through the proper channels then fair play but lets stop those that ruin it for those that really need our help & that includes those who were born in the UK and are malingerers on the dole etc
Joe, UK When are they going to return all the failed asylum claims? My Parents live in an area which has many Kosovan refugees from the Balkan war. Most are young males who should now return back to their own country. They won't though because they get free mobile phones, free accommodation, don't have to work and can spend all day on the beach. I will have to wait until I retire for those luxuries.
John B, UK
I understand that people come over here for many reasons. I sympathise, but I do not condone the current system. However, don't blame the asylum seekers - blame the government whose lax laws are allowing so many to take advantage of the system. Genuine asylum seekers should be given the chance to earn their way. I think that's fair enough and anyone who was really interested in making a new life and not just "living off the system" would be happy to be able to contribute.
Charlotte Saunders, UK
I'm amazed that people think that there are huge numbers of asylum seekers that are sponging off the state. We can easily absorb these vulnerable people as there are many Brits who choose to emigrate too. If you actually speak to asylum seekers, nearly all of them want to work and earn money! I would much rather the issue of work-shy drug addicts who commit benefit fraud to fund their habits be dealt with. That is a situation that is truly out of control!!
Jake Norrish, UK
| The only measure that will work is to close all borders now |
The only measure that will work is to close all borders now. I'm sorry, that'll obviously upset a few people, namely those who live with blinkers on, the criminals making all the money by smuggling people in, and of course the illegal immigrants themselves, but this country has a right to protect it's own culture, it has a right to put it's own people first and we all have a right to expect our taxes to be put to better use. Charity begins at home, yet foreigners are entitled to come here and jump to the front of the queue that they have no right even being in. I'm fed up struggling, trying to save up to have children, whilst seeing armies of immigrants arriving with many children getting everything for free. The current system is unfair, creating resentment, jealousy and racism; it can only lead to social unrest if left unchecked.
R Callister, UK R Callister, UK: I completely understand what you're saying - We all worked hard to be born here, why should people that were born in other countries get the same rights as us? But maybe we should think about how desperate they must be - they leave friends and family and everything they own and risk their lives to get themselves into a country that hates them. Whether or not you believe they are being oppressed, things must be pretty bad at home.
Jenni, UK
Although the drop in asylum applications is encouraging, the government will only be in a position to claim their policies are a success when those from countries that have been made safe are repatriated. Asylum arrangements should reflect the temporary nature of the conflicts that deem it necessary in the first place.
Mark Maynard, UK
The main reason so many people want to come here is language. People are far more likely to be able to speak and understand a little English than French or German, so it's only natural they should head for the place where they are most likely to be able to make themselves understood.
Jane, Wales, UK
My family were fleeing persecution and came here after the Second World War. They were housed in an old camp and received no state benefits or other help. They had to work for what they got. I have no problems with genuine asylum seekers coming here and being helped but what I do object to is the many thousands of economic migrants who pour into this country looking for an easy life. Something must be done, and done soon, to separate those who are in genuine need and those who are only coming here to take us for a ride.
S. Cohen, UK
| Have any of you ever talked to an asylum seeker and tried to find out their story? |
It is amazing to see that people have comments like, "asylum seekers live in lavish houses" and "they don't work". I wish people would make an effort to find out the facts instead of reading the tabloids. Have any of you ever talked to an asylum seeker and tried to find out their story? Of course there are people that abuse the system; surely this does not mean that genuine asylum seekers should be punished because of this minority. Most of the asylum accommodation is cramped and dirty. Most of us would not like to stay in them even for a weekend. The majority of the asylum seekers are hard working and want to work as soon as they can. They often end up doing jobs that others would not touch with a barge pole. Many of their children of asylum seekers perform better than average at schools. This means when they graduate, they are likely to do well and pay higher taxes than average.
The reduction in legal aid and stricter immigration rules are making both the application and the processing of application more difficult. Britain only takes in 2% on the world's asylum seekers, and now that is set to reduce. The amount of national fraud, theft and other crimes cost the country far greater than the immigration problem. The distribution of the world's wealth always keeps changing. Surely we should come across as welcoming now if in the future we need out neighbours to shelter us.
Hans, England
I would rather have asylum seekers here taking jobs that WE DON'T DO e.g. cleaning rather than Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans doing the professional jobs that they are not supposed to be doing. I am a British Citizen and I am qualified to do many jobs but when I ring up the agencies in London - same old story - sorry no jobs - when my Antipodean friends ring up the agencies it is a different story "Certainly sir, we have many jobs!" Why does no one complain about this?
Anon, UK
| The majority of British people don't want any asylum seekers coming |
You probably won't publish this but the truth is that the majority of British people don't want any asylum seekers coming, never mind reducing the numbers. They would prefer all this money to be reinvested in the people of this country rather than wasting it on other nationalities. Everyone I talk to from a cross section of the community and classes feels the same. Unfortunately for those who don't like the idea this will only fuel support for parties such as the BNP.
Andy, UK I recently had to get a new wheelchair from the NHS and was offered an second hand done up job, while an asylum seeker complete with social worker also looking for a wheelchair was offered a new lightweight wheelchair, I asked why i could not have one and was told my trust could not afford to pay for one. Apparently the asylum seekers chair was being paid for by the DHSS. I served 22 years for my country and this is the result.
Clive, UK
Even if the most recent Asylum statistics are true, the government seems to do nothing about the removal of the hundreds of thousands of failed asylum seekers that have come in to the UK in the last few years. If a British person lies about their status and claims money from the government when they are not entitled to it we call it benefit fraud and the person is prosecuted. When Asylum seekers are rejected why are they not made to pay back whatever they have received through enforced labour? Falsely claiming asylum is a crime as much as falsely claiming benefits. There is no accountability in this matter
Barry Harte, UK
Lots of people seem to feel a sense of duty to the increasing tide of immigrants coming to the UK, while the rest of us do not. The solution is simple. Set up a charity solely to assist asylum seekers, and let those who believe in it give their money to support it. I would be quite happy if that were the case. What is so wrong is that the population of this country at large, through taxation at various levels, are paying for food, housing and medical care for people who choose to take advantage of it when the majority of us would rather we were not.
Kevin, UK
| These people seem to be totally disrespectful of our culture |
I live in an area which has a high immigrant population and in the time I have lived there have come to the conclusion that we really do need to put asylum seekers in this country through a 'culture class' as a sign of respect and allegiance to their adoptive country. Why? Because the cultural differences between them and the British people in the area are quite different and it's causing tension. The foreign element constantly set off bangers and fireworks in the street and in their gardens, there is litter everywhere and generally there is a small feeling of resentment that these people seem to be totally disrespectful of our culture. A friend of mine has just removed his child from the local school which is 90% Asian as his son was being severely bullied for being white. There is some anti-British graffiti in some of the open communal areas and it's all down to the ignorance and bad attitudes created by a generation of disgruntled people. People may see this as quite extreme but making people who come to live here aware of the general rights/wrongs/laws/language of this country really would create a much less tense atmosphere. The asylum system is failing at least in this respect. It's all very well to say we should understand immigrants but it's a two way thing.
James Harriat, England What worries me about the asylum issue is not the asylum seekers themselves for the most part. Some of them are bound to be people here to exploit a system which is a soft touch, but many of them must be genuine people seeking a better life. What the main issue for me is the Human rights act, which states that those seeking asylum from any form of oppression must do so in the first safe country they enter. In none of the asylum cases that are in Britain now can that be true. All asylum seekers/refugees whatever you want to call them must have passed through Europe to reach us. The EU members should hang its head in shame. All these desperate people are being palmed off to Britain because they don't want to deal with them, even though it is their legal obligation to do so.
William , Great Britain
When I was growing up in the 50s and 60s I was taught to be proud to live in a country which was a safe haven and accepted all those who were fleeing persecution. I still feel that way. But in those days, the numbers were under a hundred people a year - now they are in the hundred thousands. Has the world got that much worse in the last 40 years, or am I missing something?
RB, UK
| I feel certain that the anti-asylum lobby is essentially racist |
I feel certain that the anti-asylum lobby is essentially racist, characterising immigrants as criminals from the middle east here to steal our welfare benefits. The realities are that over 50% of illegal immigrants in this country are from Australasia or South Africa, and they are all here to work. The long-term economic benefits are historically proven, but we should also remember that cultural changes develop a richer society for all of us as well... can you imagine life with only English restaurants? People come here because we are a tolerant society which allows people to contribute, not for the benefits (which we can easily afford anyway). Perhaps a more generous frame of mind would help the anti lobby to see the benefits!
Brian Jaspers, UK The Labour party have complete disregard for the asylum law in this country. Since they came to power in '97, they have opened the flood-gates and let hundreds of thousands of so called asylum seekers into the country. Even the people whose so-called asylum applications have been refused are still in the country and will never be sent back to their countries of origin. The Labour party are too frightened to stand-up and say no to asylum seekers, most of whom are just economic migrants looking for a country where they can get an easy ride. They profess to love England and say it's a great country. If another European country was as stupid as England, they would go there instead of coming here!!!
Nicolas Wright (Mr.), England
The government's approach to asylum is shaped by the wish to appease the right-wing tabloids, rather than any desire to improve the system. They have succeeded making life a misery for asylum seekers - many of whom are victims or torture and survivors of genocide - in the hope that fewer will come to Britain. Immigration controls have never been tougher - if we really wanted to reduce migration, we would have to confront the wider economic and social forces involved, yet these issues are never mentioned in this so-called 'debate'. The assumption that refugees and other migrants are always a 'burden' lacks a historical perspective, which shows that migration is very healthy for the economy. Most economic migrants are resourceful healthy young men who are likely to contribute far to the economy than they take. Last year, a MORI poll found that the UK population is catastrophically misinformed about asylum issues, mainly thanks to the scaremongering tabloid propaganda.
Sam Pehrson, UK
| Many are able to claim all manner of benefits, and are often better off than our own old age pensioners |
I believe that the true number of illegal immigrants in Britain is unknown, but is certainly far more than government statistics say. Many are able to claim all manner of benefits, and are often better off than our own old age pensioners. I find it difficult to understand the way in which our, and also EU, law enables them to challenge decisions on their right to stay in the UK, and often awards legal aid for them to pursue this.
Colin Taylor, England I've worked all my life and tried to do the best I can for my three kids. It annoys me when we get these people coming over here trying to take advantage of the British taxpayer. My Dad fought in the war to protect their countries and 50 years later they're back here with their hands out again. I don't have anything against them but I just don't think it's right. We should look after our own first. Look at the problems we've already got. My mother has been waiting for over a year now for her hip operation and the lift in her flats never works, and yet they're coming over here and getting a free ride. It just isn't right, I don't pay my taxes for freeloaders to get a free meal ticket. We should bolt the gate and make it harder for these people to get in.
Nigel, Crawley
Perhaps the government could meet its target number by helping to end all that pesky rape, torture and violence which forces the UK to provide a safe haven (and "lavish benefits") for asylum seekers in the first place. Rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan should be a doddle - send in all those passionate Daily Mail readers who'd otherwise waste their time and energy writing doom laden messages about unarmed invasions and looking very cross in BBC News voxpops.
Euan, Scotland
| We take a small percentage of asylum seekers into this country |
The people who think we are being swamped by asylum seekers are just uninformed and ignorant of the facts. A situation not helped by the tabloid press who are all too willing to sensationalise the situation. We take a small percentage of asylum seekers into this country and they are no burden on what is after all the 4th largest economy in the world. The government has spent more of our money on fighting a dubious war in Iraq than they've spent on asylum seekers.
Aiden Truss, England I suggest that the people on here who are so keen for the UK to accept asylum seekers consider inviting them into their house and paying for all their expenses i.e. put your money where your mouth is.
Miles, UK
There is something seriously wrong with the whole system. The government are making headway to stopping the huge numbers of asylum seekers that are flooding this country, but yet they keep coming. Have a 6 week consulting period, if their background is not believed send them back. In America they stop you from ever returning!
JoL, UK
This country has a long colonial past in which we took advantage of the resources of other countries. We owe a duty, as both a colonial power, and as one of the major players in the world, to help those that are disadvantaged due to war, famine and in some cases, problems that we have caused. I am proud to be in a country where we can offer help to the disadvantaged. The issue of other countries being crossed is a red herring as it is virtually impossible to travel here without crossing other frontiers.
Darren Fletcher, UK
| My family had to prove themselves for 10 years before we were accepted as citizens |
As a young refugee in the 50's, I remember my parents struggling in poverty. They did not get housing or any benefits that is up for grabs now. My family had to prove themselves for 10 years before we were accepted as citizens. Housing would not be given to my parents because they did not have enough children. Today, there are no borders, no health checks, no crime checks, nothing. England deserves all it gets by not having anything in place to safeguard the citizens of this country.
Rita Scriven, England We are all immigrants or the descendants of immigrants who came to this country for the same reason. Prosperity.
John Lawrence, UK
All of these debates on asylum seekers seem to miss the fundamental bottom-line. The vast majority of migrants arriving in the UK come from states where they are either deprived of political rights or denied economic independence. Until the rich and powerful states work to create prosperity and stability for the "have nots" of the world, migrants will continue to come to the West.
Dan W, UK
NO they are not - it's all now out of control completely. Government figures will be "doctored" as usual.
Marion S, London UK
Born in the UK, but of Eastern European origin, I know first hand how immigrants see us. 'Free housing' and "�50 a week for doing nothing" are comments that I've heard from would be migrants. �50 is what most would earn in an entire month of hard graft. Successful migrants often visit my country of origin and boast of their good fortune. I have seen and heard this for myself. Of course they'll skip over France to come here, when all they have to say is the magic word; Asylum.
Mike, UK
As usual, a lot of vitriol and uninformed ignorant personal opinion alongside hyped-up right-wing media barrage forms the basis of this assault against asylum seekers. I find it truly amazing that people are so scared about an 'unarmed invasion' of asylum seekers as the source of the UK's problems. These people should try and learn some history about migration and the positive affects it has on society. I find it amazing that middle Englanders continue to harp on about immigration when they happily indulge in the neo-liberal Americanisation of Britain; the real source of many of this tolerant country's ills.
Ishan, UK
| I'm proud to live in a country where we show sympathy and give help to misplaced refugees |
I'm proud to live in a country where we show sympathy and give help to misplaced refugees. Yes there are many cases where asylum seekers may be criminals or are only here to exploit the benefit system, but the media hype and exaggeration only worsens the plight of genuine victims of oppression.
Tim, UK Yes, I am afraid because of small incidents involving asylum seekers the majority of them have paid the consequences. It seems asylum laws are working from the latest figures, but have these laws been fair to genuine people that want to start a new life in this country?
Richard, UK
Of course the new figures look favourable for the government. After they set a date for improvement they either move the goalposts or spin the figures and nothing ever gets done and situations never get any better. No one trusts you any more Blair - time to go. As for the media in particular the tabloids, scaremongering is their policy, it's very difficult to find a balanced view on this issue at all.
Ed, UK
If New Labour is so brilliant that all their specific "initiatives" are greeted with huge improvements in figures almost instantly, why don't they apply the same genius to the rest of our problems - health, transport etc. The alternative is just manipulation of figures. Which do you believe?
Paul B, UK
What an unpleasant uncaring selfish lot your correspondents are. Perhaps we should deport them to make more room for asylum seekers.
Stephen, England
The new figures show an improvement, but much more improvement is needed. We're not yet anywhere near returning to the figures for illegal immigration of just a few years ago. The black economy needs to be clamped down on, only one appeal allowed to failed applicants, immediate deportation of failed applicants, and there should be secure detention centres for all illegal immigrants until their claim is decided one way or the other. Until then, the majority of the British people will continue to be deeply concerned by what amounts to an unarmed invasion of our country.
NK, UK
Laws only have a chance to work if they are being applied. I do not for one minute believe that the laws are being applied. Tony's apology for a government have been putting pressure upon immigration officers not to arrest illegal immigrants, in order to massage the figures. Pathetic.
Johnny, London
| Asylum seekers seem to get everything for free and quickly. How is that fair? |
What gets me is that I have heard stories of asylum seekers getting free housing from the government, often three or four bedroom houses. I was on a council housing list for four years and last year I moved into a house with two bedrooms. That is for me, my partner and my two different sex children. We are planning to have a third child soon, but that means getting back on the housing list for a bigger house, which may take another four years. I pay my taxes and bills and get nothing but a long wait, asylum seekers seem to get everything for free and quickly. How is that fair?
Jon Lipscombe, UK Of course they aren't working as so called asylum seekers are still crossing through other safe havens to come here. We are just a soft touch for easy money and it is well known that we never actually send them home. Real asylum seekers should never arrive on our shores as the UK is not the first safe place they encounter.
Keith, UK
Most 'asylum seekers' are not that at all, but are simply economic migrants. If these people were genuinely fleeing oppression in their country, why don't they stop in the first safe country they come to? Why continue on to England? Because France and other European countries won't have them, that's why - but Britain will. We'll feed them, clothe them, let them use our NHS and be housed in council property when there are long waiting lists of British people desperately in need of housing.
Amanda, England
No the asylum laws are not working. The government in this country is so soft, they let anyone in and all at the tax payers expense. Something needs to be done before the country gets to overcrowded.
Chris A, UK
It does beg the question why so many bona fide immigrants (my wife and her friend included) with a good command of English who take up legitimate work, pay tax, NI and form relationships over here seem to suffer discrimination at the hands of the system. In the meantime, others, often cheats with no proven background and unable to speak a word of our language, are coming over here helping themselves to housing, lavish benefits, free schooling and even cars. In what sense of the word could this ever be construed as democratic?
Patrick V. Staton, Guildford, UK
The figures may well be falling but they do not represent the illegal immigrants who are here and have disappeared into existing asylum communities. The government must look at patrolling our borders.
Kay, England
| there is a greater need for other EU countries to look at their policies too |
I think our laws are one thing, but there is a greater need for other EU countries to look at their policies too. With the exception of those that come in on planes, the only other way is via another EU country. It's time we told the likes of France to clean up their acts, instead of just being a direct route out of their country and into ours. Sangatte proved that France were all too willing to help asylum seekers with their cause.
Ian S, UK, Birmingham No the laws are not working; it just means the figures have been massaged better to suit the promised reductions.
Neil, England
The figures show only that formal applications for asylum are down, not that the number of illegal immigrants and economic migrants entering the country has fallen. The asylum system will not work until the government applies the UN charter on refugees and turns away anyone who has not claimed asylum in the first safe country they arrived in. No-one arriving across the channel is entitled to asylum. Furthermore, people escaping from oppression don't generally do so by leaving through a tightly guarded airport, but across a land border. Until there is unrest in France or Belgium there should be only negligible numbers of asylum seekers admitted.
Tom, England
Popular beliefs are worsened by certain areas of the media, they mention the thousands coming in to the UK each year, but neglect the thousands emigrating to get away from the traffic, stress, taxes, lies, and travesty that is called the public services.
Paul Weaver, Greece/UK
The problem is not with the current laws but with the fact that we do not enforce them. The current EU regulations on Asylum clearly state that an asylum seeker should apply for asylum in the first safe country (of the EU). In reality then 99% of asylum seekers in Britain should have applied to a country other than Britain, therefore they should be returned from whence they came. If they landed by plane or ship from outside the EU deal with them otherwise return them as appropriate. We do not need further laws, only to enforce our current ones. Gerry Anstey, England
It's a sad affair when you read a statement like "government is meeting its targets on number of asylum seekers" and the first thing you think is that they have either changed their targets or are spinning us another yarn in order to repair their severely damaged reputation. I find it difficult to believe anything they say at the moment, and they are taking the British public for fools who will believe anything.
Matt, UK
No! I've no problem with asylum seekers coming to this country, but I object to economic migrants coming here. The NHS and Welfare services cannot cope with the indigenous population, never mind free-loaders coming form overseas.
Lee Griffin, Fareham, England. There are lies and statistics. Whilst the numbers have reduced genuinely, the reality is nothing like the reported amount mainly due to people now being far less likely to even bother trying to claim asylum. Sure, they have reduced the state burden but it does not mean there are fewer illegal immigrants than before.
Phillip Holley, UK, London
Call me a cynic but the phrase "the figures for the second three months are set to look even better" does not set my mind at ease. These are official figures and easily massaged to tell the story that the Government wants us to hear. The Conservatives were notorious for changing the way that the unemployment figures were calculated. Labour, also, cannot do anything without putting a positive spin on it. What guarantee do we have that large swathes of illegal immigrants have not been "lost" along the way as these statistics were being produced?
James Crosby, Telford, UK
Let's hope so. Then we won't have to worry about nearly a thousand of them being 'housed' at the proposed asylum centre (a military depot next to a prison) a mile or so from my home in rural Oxfordshire.
Gerald, UK
It is not asylum which bothers people, it is excessive immigration and the formation of islands of foreign nationalities and cultures within England. Multiethnic is fine, it is multicultural that worries me.
Christian Tiburtius, UK
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