FOREST of Dean MP Matt Bishop has appeared on Jeremy Kyle’s political programme to discuss immigration and the Government’s approach to border security.

The Labour MP appeared on the programme as the issue of small boat crossings and illegal migration continues to dominate the national political debate.

Mr Bishop, who represents the Forest of Dean, shared footage from the interview afterwards and said home security remained a “top priority” for both himself and the Government.

The former police officer said the Government was working to tackle illegal crossings from France, with the interview examining the measures being taken to secure the UK’s borders.

The discussion also touched on the wider challenges facing ministers as they attempt to reduce the number of people making dangerous journeys across the Channel while responding to public concerns about immigration and the effectiveness of the country’s border controls.

Mr Bishop has frequently drawn on his previous career in policing since entering Parliament and has made crime, policing and public safety prominent issues during his time representing the Forest.

His television appearance came during a busy return to Westminster following the summer recess.

Mr Bishop was also among the MPs to speak in the Commons last week as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed Parliament.

He used the debate to raise the deaths of two police officers in Cleveland and asked for a commitment that the Government would continue to support and properly fund police forces.

Mr Bishop told the Commons that he spoke from “first-hand experience” of the dangers faced by officers beginning each shift.

The Forest MP has also recently been active locally, announcing a Women and Girls’ Health Conversation for September 17 and SENDIASS advice sessions for parents and carers in Coleford.

His appearance with Jeremy Kyle gave the MP another opportunity to discuss national policy outside Westminster.