Foreign criminals will be deported from the UK immediately after they are sentenced, the justice secretary has said.

The law change proposed by Shabana Mahmood could save taxpayers an average of £54,000 a year per prison place.

The changes would apply to prisoners serving fixed-term "determinate" sentences.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:16

May: Inside one of Britain's most overcrowded prisons

Authorities would also retain their power not to deport a criminal but instead keep them in custody - with examples including if an offender is planning further crimes against the UK's interests or national security.

The justice secretary's announcement goes further than a change to the law in June - expected to come into force in September - meaning prisone

See Full Page