The deportation of failed asylum seekers from Zimbabwe has been halted by the Home Office.

The move follows criticism from opposition parties, Labour backbenches and refugee groups of deportations being carried out despite the threat of reprisals against political activists opposing president Mugabe.

Around 90 asylum seekers are currently in detention in Britain. Home secretary David Blunkett reassured critics that no-one would be deported before the country's elections in March, with the situation re-evaluated after the poll. However, he stressed that each case would be assessed on its merits.