RE: Mr Pittock's defence of seven asylum seekers working illegally (Bolton Evening News, September 7).

He claims we are becoming a "barbarous country" after these workers were jailed, even although they used forged documents.

I would have thought at a time of such increased security in Britain we should all be on our guard against anyone using false documents and identification for whatever means.

As for this country becoming barbaric -- how come it is such a popular destination for asylum seekers fleeing persecution, many thousands, by the way, have been granted the right to stay?

Finally, regarding his subtle swipe at Tony Blair's Christianity being a "mere fashion statement", it would be interesting to know how many asylum seekers have fled from countries with a Christian culture.

Not many, I'll bet.

A Bennett

Babylon Lane

Adlington