Here are some further facts to introduce to R. Quirk’s reasoned debate (Letters, September 24, 'A reasoned debate needed').

The majority of migrants in the European Union initially arrive as refugees, not economic migrants, in countries such as Italy and Greece. The top ten countries of origin for those seeking asylum include Eritrea, Syria and Afghanistan, all of which suffer from conflict and persecution.

In light of the numbers currently reaching Italy and Greece, it is not plausible for financial, administrative and language reasons, that they can all remain and settle there.

When referring to the Dublin Regulation as a reason for them to stay put, one could quote a much-used phrase, “the law is an ass”.

The law of unintended consequences is mentioned as an argument for not accepting such migrants into the UK. However, it should not be forgotten that in a number of cases the conflicts they are escaping are the unintended consequences of previous decisions by the UK government, as in Afghanistan and Syria.

This is a many-faceted debate and I do not necessarily disagree with the issues of concern raised in R. Quirk’s letter. However the moral aspect must carry some weight and we must look for solutions to the issues and not stop at the first sign of a potential problems.

D. Aikman

Kendal