JULIAN Roskams' and to a lesser extent John Raine's comments in the Gazette's article regarding Syrian refugees (June 26) give the impression that no other views except theirs are relevant to this issue.

There needs to be a wide and democratic debate that includes, among other subjects, costs.

On the cost issue there is poverty, homelessness and at-risk people, including children in the UK and I would guess locally.

Mr Roskams needs to try and understand that in a democracy it is not just his view that counts.

Brian Chambers

Malvern