David Blunkett's decision to deport a family of Afghan asylum seekers in specially chartered military jet was unlawful, the High Court ruled yesterday.

A judge ruled that the family had the right to remain in the UK while an appeal on psychological stress grounds was considered by an independent adjudicator.

The move could lead to a judicial challenge to the government's overhaul of asylum laws.

And the home secretary said the decision would be exploited by "every illegal immigrant and failed asylum seeker".