A series of Labour MPs lined up yesterday to attack David Blunkett's hardline asylum legislation.

The United Nations also stepped into the row after its high commissioner for refugees said the plans would not protect vulnerable asylum seekers.

Labour's Hilton Dawson described proposals to take the children of failed asylum seekers into care as "immoral".

The legislation now appears set for a difficult time as it progresses through both the Commons and the Lords over the coming months.