Police chiefs could be forced to call on the military to tackle civil disorder in the event of a "no-deal" Brexit, according to a leaked document.

Contingency plans drawn up by the National Police Co-ordination Centre warn that a possible shortage of medicine could "feed civil disorder" and a rise in the price of goods could see "widespread protest which could then escalate into disorder".

There could also be a rise in acquisitive crimes such as theft, along with massive traffic queues at ports, leading to "unprecedented and overwhelming" disruption in the wider road network.

But Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the public need not worry and that departments had to "prepare for all possible outcomes".

He told BBC One's The Andrew Marr show: "I don't expect a no-deal outcome but we need to prepare for all contingencies and it's absolutely correct... I'm not going to go into what the situation may or may not be but I think it's fair to say we're preparing for all contingencies.


"This is an unprecedented situation but most important of all we must keep focussed on the deal and get a deal delivered but at the same time every government department should prepare for all possible outcomes."

He added: "I don't think people need to worry."

However, the report added that there was a "real possibility" that soldiers would be deployed and police would have leave cancelled around the date of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union in March next year.

Some police forces would need "widespread leave embargoes" and others, such as Kent, are expected to unilaterally cancel rest days and leave immediately after 29 March.

Brexit Secretary insists UK will be ready 'deal or no-deal'

The document was obtained by The Sunday Times and will be considered by the National Police Chiefs' Council later this month.

It focuses on the potential consequences for the police service if a Brexit Britain turns sour.

Among these are:

:: EU police officers losing their legal right to carry a warrant card. This would potentially affect 750 officers in the Metropolitan Police alone

:: Increased data costs hitting the budgets of forces which rely on mobile communication

:: Disruption potentially lasting for three months either side of Brexit day, rather than the six weeks planned for by the government

:: A perceived lack of communication between the Home Office and the Brexit department

:: The impact of the Operation Stack (used for queuing traffic at Channel ports) needing to be used at docks around the country

NPCC lead for operations Chief Constable Charlie Hall told The Sunday Times: "The police are planning for all scenarios that may require a police response in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

"At this stage, we have no intelligence to suggest there will be an increase in crime or disorder.

"However, we remain vigilant and will continue to assess any threats and develop plans accordingly."

Govt lays bare consequences of 'no-deal' to British people

Shadow police minister Louise Haigh said: "This is the nightmare scenario long feared; according to the UK's most senior police officers a no-deal Brexit could leave Britain on the brink."

The Home Office said it would not comment on leaked documents.

A spokesman said: "We do not want or expect a no-deal scenario and are increasingly confident that we will secure a deal with the EU.

"However, it is the duty of any responsible government to prepare for every eventuality, including the unlikely scenario that we reach March 2019 without agreeing a deal.

"With that in mind, we are working closely with operational partners - including the police - on contingency planning so we can ensure the safety and security of our citizens in all scenarios."