The government says 3,500 troops are to be placed on standby as part of Brexit emergency plans.

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said in the Commons his department “will have 3,500 service personnel held at readiness, including regulars and reserves, in order to support any government department on any contingencies they may need”.

He added: “We've as yet not had any formal requests from any government departments.”

The disclosure came after a cabinet meeting on planning for Brexit under a no-deal scenario.

The news that soldiers could be put into service underlines that the government is preparing for the possibility of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

It is possible that in the event of an emergency related to disruption at ports, sites in Kent could be used as military bases.

It is understood that some discussions have already been held around potential locations but the Ministry of Defence said is was too early to speculate.

“Cabinet agreed that with just over three months from our exit from the EU, we have now reached the point where we need to ramp up these preparations..." - Prime Minister's spokesman

The government has also agreed to significantly increase the amount of money available to government departments for Brexit contingency plans to £2bn.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “Cabinet agreed that with just over three months from our exit from the EU, we have now reached the point where we need to ramp up these preparations.

"This means we will now set in motion the remaining elements of our no-deal plans.

"Cabinet also agreed to recommend businesses ensure they are similarly prepared enacting their own no-deal plans.”

Downing Street suggested preparations could include reserving space on ferries in order to ensure a supply of food and medicines.