I READ with enthusiasm that at last David Blunkett is doing what should have been done years ago discuss the introduction of citizenship classes and language lessons for new immigrants.

How many people even know that all applicants for British citizenship are supposed to have "sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic?"

I have friends of all races and nationalities, and don't object to people from other countries applying to come here. I don't object to Britain taking in controlled amounts of real refugees as well. I believe that if someone enters this country illegally, they are committing a crime that is what illegal means. So send them home, and treat them as criminals while they are here. Having said all very right-wing sounding stuff, we should look at better ways of helping people stay where they are. It is no good complaining about millions of economic migrants when they often feel thay have to move because of moves by the Western world.

ANDREW IRVINE,

Springfield Road,

New Southgate.