The Press Complaints Commission has issued new guidelines on the reporting of asylum issues.

Following a number of complaints, particularly concerning discrimination, journalists will be discouraged from using the phrase "illegal asylum seeker" in their reports.

A spokesman for the PCC said that there had been a number of breaches of the organisation's code of practice in reporting on the issue.

"By way of an example, an 'asylum seeker' is someone currently seeking refugee status or humanitarian protection, there can be no such thing in law as an 'illegal asylum seeker'," he said.

"An asylum seeker can only become an 'illegal immigrant' if he or she remains in the UK after having failed to respond to a removal notice."

The move has been welcomed by the Refugee Council.

"We hope that the national and regional press will use these guidelines as a basis for improved reporting of this vital issue," said chief executive Maeve Sherlock.

"Freedom of the press, as a cornerstone of our society, comes with responsibilities.

"The PCC's guidance is an important step forward in striking the right balance between these in the case of asylum seekers."