Migrant system is not fit for purpose
AS SOMeONe who lives in Hythe, it has caused me great concern to discover that migrants who have arrived illegally by boat across the Channel are allowed to wander around the town in groups. They have come from France where Covid is rife. living in accommodation generously provided by British taxpayers, couldn’t we ask them to do something useful with their time? kent has a large number of farms and food producers who are desperately short of labour to pick their produce, with much going to waste. I have written to my MP to suggest that in return for the £39.63 a week asylum support allowance, plus free board and lodgings, these migrants are allowed to work while their applications are processed so they can give back to the nation that has provided them with refuge and hospitality.
Name supplied, Hythe, kent. IT BeGGARS belief to see pictures of migrants strolling along Hythe promenade with not a care in the world. Having arrived from France with its escalating rate of Covid infection, they are mingling with local people, most of whom have been under virtual house arrest for a year and kept from socialising with their families. Britain is starting to turn a corner with Covid cases and our vaccination programme has shown how it should be done. How can we risk sabotaging this after we have all abided by the rules for so long? Something has to be done to stop the flow of economic migrants to our shores. At the very least I hope they are tested for Covid and quarantined if necessary.
JEAN MCNAMARA, Greenhithe, kent. Home Secretary Priti Patel proposes sweeping changes to the asylum system. She always says she will do this or change that, but when will we see tangible changes?
Mike Catterall, accrington, Lancs. Another tough statement from Priti Patel, but how will it work? If attempts are made to force desperate people in small boats to return to France, they will sink the vessel or jump overboard. What then? They will be picked up as normal. Soundbite score: 100/100. Practicality score: 1/100. Chris Parker, Buckingham.