Ian Austin MP: It's time for immigration answers in plea to Labour's Jeremy Corbyn

The Dudley North MP said it was time for Labour to listen to the views of people outside Westminster and come up with a coherent strategy on immigration.

Labour has come under fire for failing to have a clear policy on the issue, with deputy leader Tom Watson admitting the party's message was unclear.

Mr Austin has advocated 'fair controls' on freedom of movement from the EU among a number of measures, including a clampdown on migrants claiming benefits and using the NHS without having paid taxes.

He told the Express & Star: "Whether politicians in London like it or not, people are concerned about immigration.

"They have got to start listening to people in places such as the Black Country and acting on those views.

"We need fair and reasonable answers to people's questions on immigration, and we need to start communicating them effectively."

In a speech earlier this week Mr Corbyn had been expected to announce that changes were needed to curb uncontrolled immigration, but instead he said he 'doesn't rule out' keeping freedom of movement.

It came after Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds and her Labour colleague Stephen Kinnock had proposed a two-tier system, skilled and unskilled, on immigration.

They have argued that the Brexit vote shows the public want to see change on immigration, and have called on Mr Corbyn to adopt their strategy.