did i hear

[victor]

the news correctly?

175,000 refused asylum but are still in UK?

[Workingman]

It is a widely reported figure, but the true figure is unknown and needs to be added to that of illegal immigrants: also unknown.

Under International Law just about every asylum seeker is "bogus" as they have already passed through safe countries in order to get here. Why the government doesn't simply put them back on board whatever transport they used to get here and send them back is anybody's guess. It is also what should happen to illegal immigrants.

Earlier this week the EU said that rescuing illegals and bogus asylum seekers should be, erm, reduced. The thinking is that because being rescued is a 'safety net' it encourages more to take the risk. The mayor of Calais has also said that UK social benefits are the 'magnet' leaving his town 'infested' with illegals.

[victor]

WM ,it beats me how they get as far as Calais ,why are'nt the other countries sending them back.they must be a problem in those places

[Workingman]

No idea, Vic. The rules say they should seek asylum in the first safe country, as defined by the UN. That, by definition, means just about every country in Europe, and as a island we can rarely be the first country.

[Suff]

The rules also say that if you find an illegal immigrant or asylum seeker in your county you must send them back to the first country in the EU that they entered into.

Given that most of these "illegals" have temporary papers from Italy, that's a good starting point....

Don't blame us. It is their issue and they are the one's failing to handle it.