Britain will recognise some EU regulations in the event of a no-deal Brexit to ensure that the country does not grind to a halt, The Telegraph has learned.

Government papers setting out what will happen if the UK leaves without a deal make clear that Britain will adopt a “flexible” approach to ensure EU medicines, car parts and chemicals are still available in the UK.

One industry source, who has seen several of the papers that are due to be published on Thursday, said the “permissive” nature of the plans suggest they are “project ‘no fear’”.

Concerns have been raised that the M20 will be turned into a giant lorry park because of huge disruption to cross-channel trade caused by the EU in the event of a no-deal.

However, away from customs, the papers offer a constructive way for Britain to continue trading with the EU after a no-deal Brexit. On medicines which are made in the EU, the papers say that the “UK regulator would take steps to keep market access for importers open to avoid disruption”.

The approach will, however, leave the UK open to claims that it is giving up some negotiating strength by agreeing to accept EU goods without ensuring British goods will be accepted on the Continent.