Freedom of movement by European Union nationals into the UK will end overnight from October 31 in the event of a no deal Brexit, Priti Patel has signalled.

Theresa May's government had wanted to crack down on freedom of movement as soon as possible after the UK left once new legislation had passed through Parliament.

This would have meant a new Immigration and Social Security Co-Ordination Bill would have had to be on the Statute Book before the curbs could be implemented.

However, with time running out before the UK's expected exit from the EU, the new Home Secretary has made clear that she wants the tough new approach to apply at the UK's borders as soon as Britain has left the EU.

The tough stance risks throwing airports into chaos, if it is strictly applied when families return from their October school half term breaks.

Under plans being considered by the Home Office, Britain could implement a tough Singapore-style immigration system to count people into and out of the UK.