This is a harsh and ill thought out policy based on the flawed logic that making families destitute and threatening to take their children into care will coerce them into going home.

It will be cheaper, more humane and more efficient.

These reports are deeply worrying. Asylum seekers are being treated as packages to be processed and removed rather than as very vulnerable human beings.

Thousands of people would be only to happy to contribute to the UK economy if they were given some recognition and allowed to work while they are here.