The new home secretary has set out her plans for immigration in the UK after Brexit, prioritising “brilliant scientists” and highly skilled workers.

Priti Patel, who was appointed last week by Boris Johnson, the new prime minister, said the country must “seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offered by the end of free movement . . . free from the shackles of the EU and an automatic right of entry for their citizens”.

Patel said decisions would be based on what someone can contribute rather than where they come from and pledged that she would be “tougher on those who abuse our hospitality”.

“We’ll give top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents — to attract who add the most value to our