The Sunday Times cited unnamed officials as saying the government had been examining the powers at its disposal if a no-deal Brexit resulted in civil disobedience, including martial law, curfews, and the use of the army to quell rioting.

Asked by the BBC's Andrew Marr, if the government was considering the possibility of martial law, Hancock said "Not specifically, no."

Hancock then added: "It remains on the statute book but it isn't the focus of our attention."

Britain is set to leave the European Union on March 29, but the country's members of parliament remain far from agreeing a divorce deal, leaving open the default possibility of a disorderly Brexit.

Officials have been discussing the practicalities of implementing the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, which would allow the government to make any appropriate provisions to protect human life, health, safety and supplies, the Sunday Times said.