A legal loophole allowing thousands of refugees to come to Britain in search of higher benefits despite having gained asylum from other European countries is to be closed by the home secretary.

Under amendments to the nationality, immigration and asylum bill which will be debated tomorrow, MPs will also be asked to approve government amendments which will restrict the use of legal aid for "no chance" judicial appeals over rejected claims and to stop failed asylum seekers using the appeal process to delay their departure from Britain.

Max Perutz, a former government scientist, has warned that tough asylum measures could prevent refugee academics coming to the UK.

Asylum claims are currently taking more than a year to process, the Mail reports today.