Lawyers and campaigners cautioned that while the move had the potential to present an opportunity to make the system "fairer", the focus was more likely to be on tightening control of the borders

Boris Johnson has addressed his new intake of 109 new Conservative MPs ​after his landslide victory, and was expected to urge them to vote for his Brexit deal so the UK can leave the EU by the end of January.

Mr Johnson’s reported plans to create a new immigration system, separate from the Home Office, has experts fearing an expansion of the “hostile environment” policy. It comes as senior Tories and more than 100 charities attack the PM’s plan to axe the department delivering Britain’s foreign aid.

The prime minister has also launched a mini-reshuffle of his cabinet, with Simon Hart appointed Welsh secretary and Nicky Morgan - who stepped down as an MP at the election - handed a life peerage to enable her to continue as culture secretary.

With Labour figures jockeying over who should succeed Jeremy Corbyn, shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald accused the BBC of “playing a part” in the party’s defeat. Emily Thornberry said she is taking legal action against Caroline Flint over the claim she called Leave voters “stupid”.