DEFENCE Secretary Gavin Williamson is facing pressure from MPs and human rights groups to rule out declaring martial law in the event of a no-deal Brexit. 

Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards tabled an early day motion on the issue in the Commons today, calling on Mr Williamson to respond to media reports that his department is making plans to impose martial law or adopt other emergency powers if “social unrest” erupts in the event that Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement. 

The Civic Contingencies Act allows the government to suspend key civil liberties by declaring a state of emergency.

Mr Williamson has already said that 3,500 troops are on stand-by to deal with “contingencies” if there is a no-deal Brexit. 

Mr Edwards said: “It is both absurd and terrifying in equal measure that the British state is considering putting soldiers on the streets as a result of its own bungled Brexit policy.

“The British government must clarify the mission statement it has sent accompanying the call-up and calling for it to be published.”

Peace Pledge Union spokesperson Symon Hill said: “In recent years, we have seen a sharp increase in military influence in everyday life, with school cadet forces more than doubling and the introduction of initiatives such as Armed Forces Day, while the army continues to target the poorest and most vulnerable young people for recruitment. 

“The chaos over Brexit must not be misused to present the armed forces as the only people who can save us in a crisis.”