Welcome to the League of Least Welcoming Nations'

"We have become the destination of choice in Europe clearly visible to every people smuggler and would-be illegal migrant across the world," the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said to explain why she believes Britain is too generous to asylum seekers.

- SUNDER KATWALA

Officially endorsing the perception that this country is such a soft touch that everybody wants to come here may resonate with the public. But, given that it is simply untrue, it is not a good premise for an immigration plan.

Look up the Home Office's own accredited statistics.

"Destination of choice", if it means anything, must denote that we are receiving more asylum claims than anybody else. Britain does get one-tenth of the asylum claims across Europe. But Germany takes twice as many, and France, Italy and Spain all receive more than Britain. The UK is fifth in claims received, and 17th by share of population.

Four times as many people claim asylum in France as attempt a further dangerous journey to the UK. There is no simple reason for this. Partly, it is a matter of where people are taken. The languages people speak, and where they know extended family or others from their country, can also make a difference.

Patterns vary between national groups. Many Afghans applied for asylum in France. Those from Iran or Eritrea had been more likely to apply in Germany or sometimes go on to the UK.