MR SELWAY of Stratton St Margaret (Adver, August 6) asks someone to explain why a person fleeing in fear of his life should travel half way across Europe to seek asylum in this country instead of stopping in the first safe region reached.

First, millions of refugees do stop at the first safe place. UN statistics show that most refugees cross a border to a neighbouring country and countless others flee to other parts of their own countries. The world's poorest countries bear responsibility for most refugees. Taking the greatest burden are Iran, Burundi and Guinea countries that are adjacent to some of the world's worst troublespots. Of the 12 million refugees in the world (according to the UN), the UK probably hosts around two per cent.

Second, a recent Home Office study concluded that the main reasons why people seek asylum in the UK are historic, particularly colonial, links with Britain (eg Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka); the presence of family and friends; the fact that English is the global language and a view that the UK is a safe and tolerant country. The study found no evidence to suggest that asylum seekers had knowledge of the UK's asylum policies or welfare benefits ie. asylum seekers do not choose the UK because it is a supposed 'soft touch'.

Finally, I would like to point out that the UK has signed the 1951 Convention on Refugees, which means by law, anyone from any country has the right to apply for asylum in the UK and remain until a final decision on their asylum application has been made. The fact that an asylum seeker has travelled far to reach this country does not mean that their case lacks credibility.

N BUICK

Secretary

Swindon and Marlborough Amnesty