Asylum plans face attack from all sides

Ministers face flak from all sides today over "draconian" plans for asylum seekers.

The Tories joined rebel Labour MPs, barristers and refugee groups in denouncing the proposals. Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes claimed government plans were "fair and right".

The Asylum Bill aims to remove the right to benefits from failed asylum seekers who refuse to leave the country. In extreme cases, their children could be placed in care.

Ministers also want to streamline the appeals system with a tribunal-based process, which would not normally include the right to challenge decisions.

Shadow attorney-general Dominic Grieve told Radio 4 ending the right of appeal was "draconian".

He added: "It was not even done in wartime when aliens were being interned."