The UK Border Agency has responded to a story published in the Sun newspaper today about bogus claims made by asylum seekers to enter Britain.

Border and Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas said:

 

'Our border has never been stronger, as illustrated by the fall in asylum applications and the record numbers we are stopping at Calais.

'We will continue to grant refuge to those that genuinely need it, in accordance with Britain's proud traditions, however the latest statistics show that 79 per cent of asylum seekers did not qualify for international protection. We expect those people to return home. If they do not do so voluntarily, we will enforce their removal.'

The figures were part of the ONS immigration statistics published on Thursday 26 November.