Germany could reintroduce conscription under a new civil defence plan, it has emerged.

Proposals being considered by Angela Merkel’s government include provisions to bring back conscription as a temporary measure in the event of a national emergency.

There are no plans to reintroduce compulsory military service on a permanent basis.

The proposals are part of the first major review of Germany’s civil defence measures since the end of the Cold War.

Mrs Merkel’s cabinet is to discuss a government paper on the subject on Wednesday. Details have not yet been made officially public, but many of the proposals have been leaked to the German press.

The plan to reactivate conscription has emerged from sections of the government paper which deals with communications and infrastructure.