Asylum-seekers may be given European-wide rights

A leaked report on asylum-seekers says they may be given European- wide rights, including arrangements to guarantee schooling for their children. The inter-governmental report will fuel the controversy today over a move in the Lords by Lady Williams, SDP founder, and Opposition peers to restore a three-day period of "grace" in the Asylum Bill for people seeking political asylum.

The vote in the Lords could be close. If the Government is defeated, ministers could face a clash between the Lords and Commons, which has rejected the amendment. Government critics warned ministers they would be bringing the House into disrepute if they enlist the support of Tory backwoodsmen. Colin Brown