A truly civilised Britain would open its borders to Syrians

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/06/civilised-britain-open-borders-syrians

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Your editorial (Politics of fear, 31 December) raised the issue that the UK has flatly refused to take in a single family fleeing Syria. In seeking to hold the coalition to account on this crucial matter, I have secured a debate and will be asking the government to take action in conjunction with other EU member states to establish a European-wide evacuation and resettlement programme for those fleeing the conflict. I sincerely hope that colleagues from all parties (and none) will take up this opportunity (9 January) and contribute constructively to debate. The UK can – and must – lead the EU in living out the true meaning of its creed and offer a safe haven for refugees fleeing such a dreadful war. Party activists and the officers of Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary, such as Sarah Teather MP, have been calling for action for some months. While I am proud that the government has given financial assistance to NGOs working in Syria and to Syria's neighbours who have taken on the burden of accepting so many seeking refuge, I suggest more must be done. We cannot fail the people of Syria. Roger Roberts President, Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary, House of Lords

• I read with interest your editorial about immigration, the news coverage of Nigel Farage's call for the UK to grant asylum to Syrian refugees and your readers' response including the letter from distinguished Jewish leaders published on 1 January.

The scandalous issue with the UK government's stance is not its view on giving asylum to Syrian refugees. It is rather its guidance to embassies around the world not to give visas to Syrian people regardless of the fairness of their application to enter the UK.

The case for my Syrian parents to be given a family visitor visa to visit us in our home in Manchester could not be any stronger. My wife and I are British citizens. I am a surgical registrar. My father is a doctor who works for the Red Crescent organisation in Homs. My mother is a dentist. We provided the embassy with documents confirming the financial and employment status of my parents, ourselves and my parents-in-law, who are dairy farmers in Somerset. My parents have visited us six times before and never stayed beyond their declared period of visit. We have not sponsored the visit of anyone else.

My parents have never seen my daughter, who is 20 months old. It is unsafe for us to visit them in Syria, so the only way for us to see them is for them to come to the UK. However, the entry clearance officer has refused to grant them a visa, and they have no right of appeal against the decision.

The UK government's stance and guidance on the Syrian families (in particular parents) of British citizens is beyond belief and is against all principles of civilised society. Zaher Toumi Manchester

• It is no wonder that people do not trust politicians when on your front page Alistair Burt berates MPs for voting against joining a war in Syria (Ex-minister reveals anger over Syria vote, 31 December) and calls this action a "constitutional mess", implying that only governments can be right. As we begin the centenary of the beginning of the first world war, we can all make a resolution, including politicians, of no more wars? Chris Jeffries Cheadle Hulme, Stockport

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