The government has denied a report in The Sunday Times that ministers were considering issuing advice to consumers not to book holidays after Brexit on March 29 as part of its emergency planning.

But in an email exchange with Aito, Cable claimed the government was “creating fear and uncertainty as part of its strategy” as it looked to find ways to gain support in parliament for prime minister Theresa May’s deal with the EU, which will go to a vote in the week starting January 14.

“Even pottier ideas are circulating like using disaster relief funds to help a no-deal Britain,” added Cable. “In the next few days, I will seek to raise in parliament the specific issue of the damaging rumours about travel.”

Abta said it was “providing a robust response” to The Sunday Times story, and was focused on “supporting consumer confidence”.

“We are reaching out to consumers directly via social media to provide reassurances that, deal or no-deal, flights will continue,” said Abta’s chief executive Mark Tanzer.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has confirmed UK travellers will have to pay €7 every three years to travel to EU countries from 2021. UK citizens will be allowed to remain in the EU for up to 90 days under Etias (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).