The health secretary denied ministers were "specifically" planning for martial law, but did not rule it out either.

Ministers may pass legislation to deploy the military, impose curfews, travel bans and more.

The civil service is said to be "prepping" for all outcomes as Remainers describe it as a "full blown crisis".

As public anger and fear swells, Brexiteers give defensive media interviews. Some blame the chaos on the government’s failure to plan adequately. Others blame the EU for deliberately sabotaging the UK economy and demand retaliation. Others call for martial law.

The government is gaming the use of drastic powers to halt unrest if the UK crashes out of the EU.