THERE is a common misconception that half the world’s refugees are heading for England. Only a small proportion of immigrants into Britain are asylum seekers.

Britain deals with about 25,000 asylum applications a year – less than France or Italy, and far less than the US or Canada.

There are an estimated ten million refugees worldwide and most seek refuge in neighbouring countries. For example, most Somalis end up in Kenya, which hosts the world’s biggest refugee camp, with 285,000 inhabitants.

The largest group of people seeking asylum in the West come from Iraq. Most go to Syria and Jordan, and far more go to the US, Canada and France than try to make it to the UK.

Not all asylum seekers are fleeing from war or persecution; some are trying to escape extreme poverty, which can be as oppressive. What kind of desperate situation drives them to risk their lives – eg, in overcrowded open boats – to get here?

In dealing with immigration and asylum, the next government will have to consider its responsibilities regarding the poverty caused by an unfair system of international trade, the consequences of Western foreign policy, and Britain’s role as a major arms exporter.

Pete Winstanley, Durham.