We have a moral duty to offer shelter

WHO are the ‘real’ immigrants? (‘Only real refugees must be accepted’, May 9th). The reality is that anyone can be a refugee; I could be one, MP Mr Johnny Mercer could be one and there is a legal and moral duty to offer shelter.

For a refugee to claim asylum they must have left their country and be unable to return because of persecution. We have absolutely no idea about the circumstances of the young men described. They may have connections in the UK and who would choose to leave their home, family, friends and country to make a dangerous journey unless living there was impossible?

According to the Gov.UK website, refugees will be given somewhere to live, if needed, but not a swanky hotel in an area of their choice.

They get £40.85 per week for each person in their household. There is no way of claiming asylum outside the UK but there has been a pathway created for Ukrainians. It is reported to be a complex and protracted procedure even though these are people running for their lives.

The war in Ukraine is not the only conflict but according to Mr Mercer the Ukrainians are acceptable whilst presumably people fleeing from Syria, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Libya etc, are not. Why is this?

Last week I wrote of my concern about the rising cost of living. I know we face unprecedented challenges but the choices now being made by our government are from the basest of motives.

As of January 2022, we were the fifth richest country in the world. If we choose, we can afford to keep our population housed, warm and fed and no asylum seeker has to be refused safe haven.

What about turning this tragic situation into an opportunity? We could harness the determination, the resilience and resourcefulness of these people who have endured what I can only imagine to travel to the UK.

We have a potential workforce of grateful people who could help rebuild our economy.

Catherine Pickles

Devon