I HAVE been following the position of asylum seekers for some time and recently learned that last year a staggering total of 26,000 were rejected without having their claims considered!

While some may have been economic migrants it's practically certain that many would be imprisoned and tortured on their return home.

I think it is time that this country had a fair, efficient and humane asylum system and I agree with the following suggestions made by Amnesty International.

Every claim should be judged on its merits and not pre-judged on the basis of nationality. All asylum seekers have access to legal advice. Asylum seekers should not be arbitrarily detained.

Immigration controls should not prevent asylum seekers from escaping persecution. The 1951 VN Refugee Convention should be upheld and properly implemented.

DONALD HARVEY, Bridge Street, Pershore.