Doctors could be forced to work in the UK for at least five years after completing their training, under plans by Jeremy Hunt to expand the supply of home-grown doctors.

The Health Secretary will today unveil plans for the largest ever expansion in the NHS medical workforce, training an extra 1,500 doctors a year.

The scheme means the number of junior doctors will expand by one quarter, in an effort to ensure Britain is less reliant on overseas doctors, in the years after Brexit.

Today Mr Hunt said the plans were part of efforts to create “the safest healthcare system in the world” while ensuring value for money.

It costs the taxpayer £230,000 to train a doctor, over and above fees paid by individuals.

New plans today sets out proposals for a “return of service” programme - similar to that used by the Armed Forces.

Under the proposals, medics could be forced to pay back some of their training costs, if they do not stay in the NHS.

A public consultation will seek views on the idea, and consider a range of options for length of service - ranging from two years to more than five.

"By expanding our supply of home-grown doctors and proposing that they serve patients in the NHS for a minimum term, we will ensure taxpayer investment in the NHS is returned,” Mr Hunt said.