IT is my belief that opposition to immigrants is a sign of insecurity by a host population. Those who are secure in their jobs and their homes are most likely to welcome newcomers and not see them as a threat.

For the feelings individuals have they will seek some form of rational justification. One is the idea that there is an optimum number of inhabitants in our country. The Government raises such issues as a quota of immigrants to be admitted because it plays to the fears that people have. There is no limit intended for immigrants who bring wealth and investment with them.

I am sure that if the economic situation in this country were to worsen this country would not be as attractive to the individual abroad. Thus, if the standard of life here declined the whole question of immigration would not arise. In fact, we would be seeing emigration and the panic would be about a brain drain

On the continent the economic situation is so bad that emigrants from this country who intended to live in sunnier climates are thinking of returning. I have a friend who, on retirement, sold up and now lives in Spain. I am sure that if he finds it possible he will return to live in Teesside.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.

FRIGHTENINGLY, within a generation Britain is predicted to become the most populous country in Europe, with estimates of a yearly population increase of half-a-million.

The greatest contributing factor is the unlimited immigration that politicians have permitted but membership of the EU dictates that there is no control over incomers from member countries. However, in addition, successive governments have also permitted unrestricted entry to immigrants from countries outside the EU.

The reason for this is obvious: the extraordinary levels of welfare benefits to which immigrants, from wherever, become entitled once they arrive, ensuring that the rest of Europe is bypassed for the UK.

Britain is far too small, and unemployment too high, to sustain this, or any level, of immigration. It leaves the whole range of public services, finances and housing in an even more parlous state. Indeed, the very nature of British indigenous culture already can be seen to be changing. It requires honest and courageous politicians to acknowledge this huge and worrying problem, and introduce whatever measures are necessary to control immigration.

Bobby Meynell, Teesside.