BREXIT could improve Britain's chances of meeting ambitious immigration targets, Bury North MP David Nuttall has suggested.

During a question-and-answer session in Parliament on Monday, Mr Nuttall asked Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill: "What steps is the department taking to reduce levels of immigration into the UK?"

Mr Goodwill replied: "The latest figures show that our reforms to cut abuse across non-EU visa routes and our toughened welfare provisions are working, but there is no doubt that there is more to do.

"As we conduct our negotiations to leave the European Union (EU), it will be a priority to retain more control of the numbers of people who come here from Europe."

Mr Nuttall made a reference to the target David Cameron set when he became Prime Minister, to reduce annual net migration into Britain to the "tens of thousands".

In the 12 months up to the end of this March, the annual figure was 327,000.

Mr Nuttall asked: "Given that there is still some way to go, how confident is the minister that the measures taken by the Government will result in our meeting the target of reducing net migration to the tens of thousands?

"Does he agree that ending the free movement of people principle imposed on us by the EU is essential if we are to stand any chance of meeting that target?"

During her Brexit negotiations, current Prime Minister Theresa May could choose to end or reduce the free movement of people principle as part of Britain's formal exit from the EU.

Mr Goodwill replied: "There is no doubt that this is a challenging target, but I love a challenge.

"We are committed to bringing net migration down to the tens of thousands, and we have already taken significant steps to control immigration.

"The UK's departure from the EU will give us control over EU migration, and we will shortly be publishing a consultation document on further changes to the non-EU work and study routes."