Emergency powers could be granted to avoid potential problems such as fuel shortages

Ministers will have draconian powers to bring in curfews, redirect food supplies and even change the law without consulting parliament in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Senior civil servants in Whitehall have discussed plans to use the sweeping authority of a little-known law to deal with any unexpected consequences of a disorderly departure from the European Union.

The legislation grants ministers emergency powers to deal with any event that threatens to cause “serious damage” to the UK.

Officials are understood to have advised ministers that the law could be used to give police, local authorities and other public bodies immediate powers to tackle potential problems such as fuel or food shortages without the need to change the law first.

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