IT was distressing to read about the prejudice and ignorance displayed about asylum seekers in the letters to the Barry and District News.

These people have given up their homes and livelihoods to escape from conditions that we in the UK cannot even imagine. The vast majority of them are innocent people.

They may be trying to escape imprisonment, torture or death.

As people in a "civilised" society, we should be rallying around to support asylum seekers.

C Jones Penarth