MR R Bracewell (Letters, September 8) is most unfair on the Home Secretary when criticising him regarding immigration.
On one hand, people like Mr Bracewell state that Mr Straw is 'the immigrants' friend' while, on the other, Mr Straw receives criticism for the new Immigration and Asylum Bill being too tough!
The Bill proposes a new system of support for destitute asylum seekers - removing all persons subject to immigration control from entitlement to assistance under existing legislation and introducing a new voucher system.
Mr Bracewell has no answers, however, on how the authorities legitimately differentiate between genuine asylum seekers.
At least, Jack Straw is trying to tackle this difficult situation and should be given credit for doing so.
By the way, Britain isn't alone in facing a refugee problem - 10 other European countries face greater applications than the UK.
DAVE SMITH, Avondale Road, Darwen.
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