In a time when compassion is needed the most, we in the UK have seriously let ourselves down.

I am appalled at the behaviour of local people screaming "Asylum-seekers out". And the media have not helped, with big-name newspapers whipping of frenzy of racial hatred and mistrust.

I am the bi-racial daughter of an Indian immigrant and his English wife (who is of Jewish decent), who have taught me that in this world we should treat people how we expect to be treated.

Genuine asylum-seekers should be welcomed, helped, supported and treated with compassion and understanding - something this country is not doing despite the claims of the Press to the contrary.

As for asylum-seekers looking for "money for nothing", we have our very own scavengers, British citizens born and bred, who frequent the Benefits Agency on a day-to-day basis, buying alcohol and cigarettes with money provided by the State. If I had to choose between an asylum-seekers neighbour and one of the above, I know who I would opt for.

And before anyone writes in to say "but you don't have asylum-seekers living next door to you", actually, I do. They are no bother at all, just as I am no bother to them. It's called living in harmony. We should all take a healthy dose of this, from the Government down.

-Sacha, St James's Street, Brighton