Times letters: Migrant quotas and co-operation with France

Sir, To strike a balance between the desire of most Britons to help those in need, and our practical capacity, the UN should ask all “safe” countries to agree a quota of refugees that they could accept, set by each country depending on their resources and the public mood. “Safe countries” would include many that are not normally on refugees’ agendas but refugees should accept safety where offered, though as requested if possible. If the UN assessed claimants nearer their home country, then allocated them by quota to safe countries, dangerous sea crossings would reduce once refugees knew that our quota had been reached. Those still attempting to cross would be taken to a neutral country for assessment. This would take time and careful planning