A MARTIAN observing the recent media coverage of the problems in Calais, where large numbers of immigrants are attempting to enter the United Kingdom, could be forgiven for concluding that the French regime must be so cruel and oppressive that it is worth risking life and limb in order to escape.

Furthermore, since these people could stroll unchallenged across the open borders into other European countries our Martian might reasonably conclude that the administration throughout Europe is equally cruel and oppressive.

However, since Europe is, in reality, a safe and civilised place it begs the question as to why immigrants are prepared to risk mutilation and death in order to gain entry to the UK. The media has been strangely reluctant to pose this question. Why is this?

Mike Howard, Greentrees Crescent, Lancing