THE recent troubles in Calais (Echo, June 24) prove the point that Britain is perceived as a soft touch by migrants from outside of Europe.

If every country in the European Union treated migrants in the same way, and handed out benefits, housing and healthcare as readily as we do, why are there thousands waiting in and around Calais, ready to risk life and limb, to get across the Channel to the UK?

Why don't they just stay in France, or Italy where their European journey usually begins?

These countries are happy to let them pass through, and the French would be happy to allow everyone to cross the Channel, no questions asked.

We need to stand firm on this issue and if this means pulling out of the EU, so be it.

Switzerland seems to do okay without being a member.

Jon Watson, Durham.