A vicious scheme to turn landlords, bank staff and NHS workers into virtual border guards was rushed through the Commons yesterday.

Despite grim warnings from some Labour and Lib Dem MPs, the government's Immigration Bill was set to clear its second reading.

Hours before the debate began, human rights lobbyists gathered outside Parliament urging MPs to reject the Bill.

Protesters carried placards urging: "Stop the Immigration Bill. No to a divided Britain."

Supporters of the Movement Against Xenophobia and members of Unite the union were among lobbyists.

Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner warned that the Bill would "return to the dark days of doors being slammed in the face of black and Asian people, along with the Irish and dogs."

Mr Turner pledged that Unite would support health workers who insist on treating migrants.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper ensured the Bill's passage by announcing Labour would not oppose the second reading, but instead would try to "amend and reform" the Bill at the committee stage.

Slough Labour MP Fiona MacTaggart was among MPs declaring during the debate that they would vote against the measure, despite Labour's official stance.

Ms MacTaggart spoke of "the racially divisive consequences of increased internal immigration controls."

Brent Central Lib Dem MP Sarah Teather also announced that she would vote against.

Under the provisions of the Bill, landlords face fines of up to £3,000 for each and every "disqualified adult" that they allow to occupy their property.

The Bill also introduces an "immigration health charge" payable by "certain categories of temporary migrant."

Banks will be required to refuse services to people who cannot prove a clean immigration record.

In addition, thousands of migrants facing deportation will have their appeals heard only once they have been removed.

People will be stripped of driving licences if they overstay permitted time in Britain.