The would-be Tory leader said he wanted to restore the public's faith in the UK's immigration system and to be "tougher on those who abuse our hospitality".

Mr Johnson said he wanted to "learn from" Australia, which he said had a simple system based on contribution, fairness and control.

He said: "We will restore democratic control of immigration policy after we leave the EU.

"We must be much more open to high-skilled immigration such as scientists, but we must also assure the public that, as we leave the EU, we have control over the number of unskilled immigrants coming into the country.

Mr Johnson said he would ask the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to consider contribution, including a firm job offer before arrival, the ability to speak English and blocking the ability to claim benefits immediately.

The Tory leadership front runner also committed to making sure that the three million EU nationals living in the UK wold have their rights protected if the UK leaves Europe without a deal, and said he would continue the roll out of "settled status" and "pre-settled status" scheme as before.

"I will sort it out immediately and make sure that this issue is properly dealt with and millions of people can stop worrying."

Australian Associated Press