I HAVE read with interest the letters printed in respect of the refugee situation and watched the news in horror at the thousands who have undertaken a hazardous journey to reach Europe.

It is one thing for an adult to make the decision to risk their own lives but I question the mentality of those risking their children’s lives i.e. the little boy found on the beach (especially as reportedly they were relatively safe in Turkey).

Also, consider the young men who can be seen in confrontational situations wearing young babies around their necks.

Do they have no regard for their children’s lives other than a passport to the Promised Land?

Maybe a third of these are genuine but the remainder are young men out for an adventure and an easy life instead of fighting their oppressors.

Plus, of course, the very real threat of terrorist infiltration.

I recently watched a TV programme featuring people in this country who are already working with migrants and refugees and there were many references to the fact this work was funded by central government which, I presume, meant our income tax, VAT etc.

Every country has a right to protect its borders and it is a pity that successive British governments have failed to so for many years.

However, should we wish to live in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, we would need to offer an essential occupation i.e. doctors, nurses, teachers or be in a position to support ourselves at pretty much millionaire status.

England is a small island in comparison to the rest of the world and our once prized National Health Service is in chaos, our education system underfunded and it is difficult for our young people to obtain employment.

It is time for a reality check and we for us to look after our own. Our forefathers fought two world wars so we could have a better life. Has their sacrifice been for nothing?

R TAYLOR Highworth