AS a member of the Labour Party, it is not surprising that Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing protects the policy of immigration (Letters, April 13).

She does this, not by justifying it on economic grounds (as it is questionable if there are any), but by using the "exceptional political spin" she accuses the BNP party of.

Her views are of course politically correct, in that she plays the race card, inferring that disagreement with immigration policies amounts to racism.

It is laughable that she cites the Roman invasion as a model for cultural integration - they took us over.

She also points out that we descend from our German, French, and Scandinavian ancestors, and that we are all indeed members of Europe - so how come our European neighbours don't extend the same welcome to all and sundry?

The Government's claim that immigrants contribute £2.5 billion more in taxes than they receive in public expenditure has been questioned by the findings of Cambridge economist Robert Rowthorn.

Rowthorn's research goes on to dispel the myth that immigration is justified on the grounds of a labour shortage, as the shortage is for cheap labour, which perhaps points to the real reason behind the Government's policy.

I agree that racial prejudice is deplorable, but so is the ignorant dogma that pervades the ruling Labour Party.

Paul S Cordock.

Durlston Drive,

Strensall, York.

...WHILE I share Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing's view of the BNP and what it stands for, I do believe that she has not served her purpose well by making certain assertions (Letters, April 13).

For instance, to employ Romans, Vikings, Saxons and the Norman-French as exemplars of how integration of different cultures can work is stretching historic definition too much.

In each case England suffered an unsolicited, unwarranted and violent invasion and what followed was not integration but bloody enforcement and oppression.

To label those of us suspicious of the EU and its activities as "members of extreme right anti-European political parties" is an unwarranted libel unworthy of an elected representative.

Much as she may wish to ignore it, no British voter has ever been asked to exercise his/her democratic right to determine the existence of the EU as currently structured or the UK's membership of it.

The referendum held by the Wilson government in the 1970s merely asked the UK voters' view on our remaining members of a trading partnership of free and independent sovereign nations.

And what would we lose if the EU didn't exist? Well, how about the UK being the second largest net contributor to EU funds - that would mean we would keep more of our own taxes to spend on our own people, or is that a racist concept these days?

Then there is legislation and the directives which the UK slavishly applies, to the detriment of our industries and jobs, but the rest of Europe treats as aspirational and advisory.

SM Hardy,

Birmingham Road,

West Bromwich,

West Midlands.

...MR Feaster should take off his own blinkers before peddling the predictable guff normally associated with the anti-asylum/anti-EU lobby (Letters, April 12). If Mr Feaster did remove his blinkers he might see the facts through the mirage of xenophobic, tabloid-style arguments he makes.

Firstly immigrants and refugees are not a drain on the NHS and the social welfare services. In fact refugees and asylum seekers are prevented from accessing any mainstream benefits.

If they are lucky enough to overcome an extremely restrictive system refugees and asylum seekers are able to get some help from the National Asylum Support Service.

This amounts to no more than £37.77 per week; an amount 30 per cent below the poverty line.

A report from organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers found that 85 per cent regularly experience hunger, 80 per cent cannot maintain good health and 95 per cent cannot afford to purchase clothes and shoes.

Furthermore in 1999-2000 refugees made a net fiscal contribution of £2.5 billion to the UK's economy (equivalent to one penny on income tax). This is far from costing the UK money.

I hope that Mr Feaster is able to consider these facts before treating us to any more of his nonsense.

Rory Palmer,

Fossgate, York.

Updated: 09:55 Thursday, April 15, 2004