I AGREE with Barbara Wright that Tony Blair should not drag us into wars in support of US imperialism (Letters, May 14).

But I take issue when she moves on to the obligatory dig at asylum seekers.

For the record most asylum seekers want to work, but can't because they are not allowed to by law. Their only options are to claim benefit or work illegally. If this debate really is about resources rather than race, let's change the law and allow asylum seekers to work legally and pay tax.

That way they can integrate and contribute to our society, just as generations of immigrants and their descendants have for centuries.

Ben Drake,

Danum Road,

Fulford, York.

Updated: 10:21 Thursday, May 22, 2003