Sir, Liam Byrne, the Immigration Minister, says that if Labour fails to address public concern about the level of migration, and its effects on the country and public services, it could lose the next general election (“High immigration is harming Britain’s poor, says minister”, April 18). He is right, but not in the way he understands.

Working on behalf of the Churches’ Main Committee (representing the spread of Christian denominations in the UK), I have studied a great number of tribunal determinations on asylum claims from across the country, especially claims from people whose conversion to Christianity makes it unsafe for them to return to countries such as Iran.

The adjudicators lack an understanding of the nature of conversion and the differing Christian cultures, whether in this country or in the country of origin. Frequently, ridiculous test questions are asked such as: “What is the number of books in the Bible?” and “What is the birth date of Jesus Christ?” (You have to say December 25.) Failure to produce the required reply breeds a disbelief which prejudices fair judgment.

Many of these applicants are respected members of their congregations and communities, yet evidence by their bishops, clergy and laity who know them best is swept aside by the tribunals.

Dismissal of appeals has led to dawn arrests and deportations at weekends, when it is hard to get preventive injunctions. Legal aid changes have hugely reduced the professional support which can be obtained. On numerous occasions the Home Office has had its fingers rapped by the courts for its refusal to observe due process.

If, as Mr Byrne suggests, Labour does lose the next election, it will be partly because all across the country Christian people have lost faith in a government now obsessed with currying popularity rather than standing for justice.

THE VERY REV NICHOLAS COULTON, SubDean, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford

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