THE Secretary of State for Health will listen to a "pitch" for a new medical school in Bradford, according to Prime Minister Theresa May.

She was responding to a question by Bradford West MP Naz Shah in PM questions.

The Department of Health is currently looking at how the country can train an extra 1,500 doctors each year, with one possible solution being to open new medical schools.

The University announced earlier this year that it was hoping to put forward a case for one of these medical schools on campus.

At the first Prime Minister's Questions since the summer break, Ms Shah said: "The University of Bradford makes a compelling case for a medical school teaching all types of health professionals.

"Can the Prime Minister confirm that the universities in areas where need is the most will be given the opportunity to set up medical schools?"

Mrs May replied: "I am pleased we are going to be increasing the number of training places and the Department of Health is looking at which places are available where, and where new medical schools should be set up.

"I'm sure the secretary of State for Health will be interested in hearing her pitch for Bradford having a medical school."

Mark Garratt, Director of External Affairs at the University, said: “Naz Shah MP continues to be a great supporter of the University of Bradford and we are delighted that she has been able to use the platform of Prime Minister’s Questions to raise the profile of our bid for a medical school, and to receive such a positive response from the Prime Minister.

"We look forward to submitting what we believe to be an extremely strong case that supports the Government’s push to train more doctors and will bring huge benefits to Bradford and the wider region.”