DEAR EDITOR -- The fact that net inward immigration increased again last year to the highest level in our history coincides with the news that immigration and asylum is now the number one political concern of a majority of the population.

In a recent poll, 80 per cent of the public agreed that the asylum system is out of control and the present Government's policies are too lax.

The Freedom Association has been campaigning for a full public debate on Britain's rising population since July last year.

Whilst the press and media have responded positively to our campaign, our elected politicians are still reluctant to confront the problem denying the voters choice and a proper debate.

For example, which of the political parties is preparing to discuss this issue at their autumn conferences?

The answer is none.

Between 1998 and 2002, no fewer than 400,000 foreigners were granted citizenship, a figure which does not include illegal immigration, also believed to be running at record levels.

It is high time the political parties adopted sensible and workable policies to deal with the issue of Britain's rising population through immigration which causes so much concern to the vast majority of the electorate.

Philip J Duly

Campaign Manager

The Freedom Association

PO Box 2820

Bridgnorth

Shropshire