IMMIGRATION is an issue which is likely to have great salience in the General Election and Peter Mullen’s cautionary note on the delivery of promises is very pertinent (Echo, Nov 18).

Political parties are prone to make promises to obtain votes and it was unwise for the Conservatives to set a figure on how far they would reduce immigration. As Mr Mullen says, anyone determined to enter this country will find a way - by fair means or foul This does not mean that we should give up trying to have a fair and workable system.

The Conservatives saw it as a gambit to defeat the Labour Party and they have reaped the whirlwind by giving ammunition to Ukip.

No, I’m not complaining. We should never underestimate the resourcefulness of our species to find a way to further our ends.

Some countries attract immigrants while others are likely to make people vote with their feet and leave. It speaks volumes about the United Kingdom that so many people from abroad think of this country as a desirable place to settle.

However difficult as it is to devise a foolproof border control system we should not give up trying, but I hope we shall ensure it is fair to all.

Above all, we need talent and it would be mad to discourage those with it. The gods make mad those they intend to destroy – not a quote from the Christian scriptures.

G Bulmer, Billingham