Immigration Minister Damian Green is to be grilled by MPs about chronic queues at Heathrow Airport amid concern that the issue is causing "huge damage" to Britain's reputation.

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, announced the move after reports of lengthy delays to get past passport control again last night.

There are fears that the problems are tarnishing the UK's image, particularly with the London Olympics only three months away.

Mr Vaz told a London newspaper the issue was of "great concern" and needed to be addressed irrespective of the Olympics.

"Huge damage is done to our country's reputation," he said. "This is not an Olympics issue. It is about ensuring that Heathrow is a world-class airport every day of the year."