The Secretary of State for Transport visited the Port of Dover for the first time yesterday but his meeting with port bosses was kept under wraps.

Chris Gralying's appearance came in a week in which the government has faced multiple criticisms of its preparations for Brexit and the impact on Kent.

Mr Grayling was forced to issue an apology over the way in which details of proposals to use the M26 as an additional holding area for lorries in the event of disruption at the port had emerged.

It is understood that Mr Grayling, who was joined by the Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, was briefed on concerns about now Brexit might impact on the port.

It emerged this week that the government was weighing up plans to charter ships to bring in food and medicines in the event of a “no-deal” Brexit next March.

The port has warned that the prospect of having to carry out checks on goods coming through Dover could lead to considerable disruption and delays if no arrangements are made to continue with a customs arrangement that would allow frictionless trade.

The news of Mr Grayling’s visit drew criticism from opposition politicians.

Cllr Rob Bird, the opposition Liberal Democrat leader on Kent County Council, tweeted: “It’s extraordinary that SoS [Chris Grayling] has taken so long. Further indication that the #BrexitShambles is fast turning into a nightmare for Kent.”

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said that the visit was a long-standing engagement with representatives from the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel to discuss a wide range of issues.

He also met with French senior stakeholder in Calais including President of the Regional Council of Hauts-de-France Xavier Bertrand.

In a tweet the Port of Dover said : "Pleased to welcome @transportgovuk Secretary of State Chris Grayling to discuss keeping traffic and trade moving through Dover."

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke said: "It was great to welcome Chris Grayling to Dover to see the unique way our port works - and how vital it is to our national economy.

"I explained the importance of making sure Kent’s roads and infrastructure are resilient as well as the need for lorry parks. It’s important we are ready for every eventuality - including being able to use alternative ports if the French create problems at Calais. Whatever happens we will make a success of Brexit and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Meanwhile, there has been criticism over the failure of officials from Highways England to accept an invitation to speak to Maidstone councillors about its contingency plans for Operation Brock.

Highways England chiefs were invited to come to the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board (JTB) to explain to councillors how they are managing the various works on the M20 and how they would operate the controversial Operation Brock post Brexit.

But they declined the invitation.

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman on KCC Cllr Ian Chittenden said: "Highways England and the Department for Transport must give proper consideration to the people of Kent who are already bearing the brunt of Brexit chaos.

"If we leave without a deal, as is looking more likely by the day, things could get even worse. We want reassurance that a proper plan is in place to protect Kent from the worst effects of Brexit."

Highways England has been contacted for comment.