An independent inquiry into destitution amongst people refused asylum has exposed the 'appalling and inhumane' conditions created by Government policy.

The Christian think tank Ekklesia has welcomed an independent report from a university-based church research institute which shows the shocking conditions endured by many migrant workers contributing to the economic life of the UK.

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.

The Church of England is to accuse the government of forcing asylum seekers into destitution and setting the minimum wage too low to relieve poverty, reports the Sunday Times.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, has called for the government to consider an amnesty for illegal immigrants in the UK.

Bishops have lined up to attack the Government's Asylum and Immigration Bill which had its Second Reading in the House of Lords this week.