Britain could be blocked from receiving weapons from the European Union if a war breaks out with Russia.

During a "security crisis", overseas shipments of arms and civilian technologies could be halted to make up for the EU's shortfall, a chief has said.

It comes as Thierry Breton, the EU’s industry commissioner announced plans about how the bloc are preparing for a potential war.

"To counter the return of high-intensity war on our border, we have decided to kick up a gear," he said.

The strategy hopes to boost Europe’s military support for Ukraine and prepare for the threat posed by Vladimir Putin.

Breton said: “The European Defence Investment Programme has prioritisation measures in it.

"EDIP contains a fully fledged security of supply pillar that is in it for crisis situations."

"Once this stage is declared, specific measures can be applied, including priority-rated orders on civilian products or defence products depending on the situation."