FOREST MP Mark Harper has been appointed Minister for Immigration in the latest Coalition Government shuffle.

In his new post as a minister at the Home Office, Mark will be working for the Home Secretary, Theresa May, focusing on matters relating to immigration.

Mr Harper said: "It is a real privilege to represent the Forest of Dean in Parliament, and I will continue to serve my constituents loyally as I have done for the last seven years.

"It was a privilege to be asked by the Prime Minister to join the Coalition Government in 2010, and is a further honour to be asked to take up this new role in the Home Office.

"I look forward to working with Theresa May on playing our part in keeping this country a safe place to live, while making our economy more competitive and ensuring our country is one for people who work hard and want to get on."