CALLING Syrians “economic migrants” when they are fleeing the government we know to have been barrel-bombing and torturing its own citizens to death may help Cllr Mark Warters feel better about ignoring them (Letters, October 6), but does nothing to aid understanding of the refugee problem.

His “Isil fanatics” are more likely to be going the other way, to build their murderous “Islamic State” in Syria and Iraq, to the detriment of all in the region, especially Shiites, Kurds and Yazidis.

Of the more than four million Syrian refugees registered by the United Nations, about half are in camps in Turkey, more than one million are in Jordan and another million in tiny Lebanon, where they now constitute about a quarter of the population.

Iraq has about 250,000 and there are smaller numbers in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

For those making the dangerous crossing into Europe, it is well known that Germany and Sweden are much more likely destinations than the UK.

This has all been pointed out many times before. Apparently, Cllr Warters was not listening.

Chris Walker-Lyne, Millfield Road, York

 

IT is heartwarming to know that our Member of Parliament for York Central is keen to welcome Syrian refugees to the city, provided of course they are not journalists.

York has, after all, a long tradition of welcoming strangers with diverse backgrounds since at least the first century of the common era. That is why it enjoys all the benefits of racial, religious and genetic diversity.

The only thing the city of York really lacks is space, particularly land that is not susceptible to seasonal inundation.

The same cannot be said of Norfolk, where racial, religious and genetic diversity is notoriously lacking but land exists in abundance, and away from the broads and fens is quite dry.

In fact, Norfolk is so dry that people from a desert country like Syria would feel quite at home there and be able to make a positive contribution towards improving the area’s diversity in so many ways.

I understand that the market town of Diss is particularly suited to providing asylum and would greatly benefit from cultural enrichment.

Bernard Spears, Rosedale Avenue, Acomb, York

 

FURTHER to Cllr Cannon’s letter (The Press, October 5) I would ask how the case of older people’s housing and their care cannot be linked to offer refuge to Syrian refugees?

It is claimed that the funding is not there and that is why the council is looking at “other options”, and yet miraculously we can find money to offer homes and support to the unfortunate Syrians.

Is it once again, as with Labour of old, my way or no way, despite the claim of cross-party agreement?

Is it if you think differently from me, you are wrong? Once again it is “I am telling you what you want”, rather than asking what we want and then acting on that information.

Perhaps independent living might be the way. However, what about now and what about the older people in the current homes that are suffering now, that are frightened now, whose families do not know where to turn or who will help them as funding is withdrawn?

If we have the money in York to support the Syrian refugees then we have the money to support our elderly in their care homes. It is as simple as that.

Judith Morris, Ukip, Moorland Road, York

 

HAVE you ever had a wish granted?

I am 90 years old and was staggering out of Farmfoods on Sunday lunchtime with two heavy bags.

I thought, “Oh, I wish somebody would was here to help me with these”.

Suddenly a voice said, “Are you okay with those love? Do you want a lift?”

I was so shocked I almost dropped the bags, but the kind gentleman lifted the bags into the car boot.

I don’t know who you are, sir, but you’ll know, and many thanks for making an old lady believe in magic.

M Allis, Redcoat Way, Acomb, York

 

I AM pleased to be the lucky recipient of the runner-up prize in The Press’s competition to win Margaret Dabbs products courtesy of the Fenwick York store.

This is well received and has been a lovely boost to me as I recover from illness. A thrill to get the call.

It is now in use, and my feet do feel fabulous.

Margaret Moate, Croftway, Selby

 

WILL the climate change fantasists and the green tax lobbyists now go up to Redcar and apologise to the thousands who will lose their jobs because of exorbitant extra green taxes on electricity in the steel industry?

Geoff Robb, Hunters Close, Dunnington, York