Asylum error

IN your report on the UK's asylum system (14 January), the Refugee Council findings to which you refer are based on the false assertion that everyone who claims asylum needs our protection.

The UK Border Agency operates a firm and fair system that builds on Britain's long tradition of supporting those in need of protection. We consider all claims carefully on merit, in accordance with our legal obligations. Sadly, we find many fraudsters who claim asylum when they are really here to look for a job. Genuine asylum seekers make their claim in the first safe country they reach – we would have no room for genuine refugees if we let economic migrants stay.

We expect those whom the UK Border Agency and independent courts find do not need our protection to return home voluntarily. If they choose not to we will seek to enforce their removal.

In 2008, the UK Border Agency stopped 28,000 attempts to cross the Channel illegally. There has been a significant fall in asylum application figures – down 70 per cent between 2002 and 2008.

PHIL WOOLAS MP

Border and immigration minister

Westminster