Leaders of three major denominations say changes at the Home Office may worsen the plight of asylum seekers subject to Britain’s draconian immigration laws. They condemn the attempted deportation of a traumatised Iranian woman.

An independently-run national “citizens' enquiry” has heard evidence of inhumane treatment of asylum seekers by a UK Home Office permeated by what some claim is “a culture of cynicism and unbelief.” The allegations will add more pressure to an already besieged Home Secretary, John Reid.