John Parry is promoting a dangerous lie when he says asylum-seekers come to Britain because of "the absurd generosity of the state benefits system".

Firstly, asylum-seekers come to this country because the situation in their own country has become intolerable. They are seeking safety.

Secondly, asylum-seekers are not eligible for state benefits. Instead, they receive a weekly amount of £10 in cash and £26.54 in vouchers which can only be used in certain shops for food and clothing.

This amounts to 70 per cent of income support which is designated as the official poverty line in Britain. Moreover, because asylum-seekers are not eligible for income support they are not eligible for council tax benefit and are expected to pay council tax out of their weekly £10 cash.

I hate to think what John Parry's income is if he finds this absurdly generous.

-Rebecca Shtasel, Western Street, Brighton