The warning comes in the first Health Security Risk Assessment (HSRA), which characterises the most significant health security risks facing the UK over the next five years.

Professor Steven Riley, chief data officer at the UKHSA, said: ‘As we continue to experience risks from a wide range of complex health security threats which disproportionately impact more vulnerable groups in our society, it is vital we continue to enhance our preparedness measures and resilience planning.

‘This report reflects the breadth of UKHSA's remit in responding to these threats but is also designed to support our partners in Government, health services and other public and private services, who have collaborated extensively on this report to ensure its relevance and rigour.'

The report details a number of worst-case scenarios and assesses their likelihood and potential impact on healthcare, the economy and wider society.

A detailed response and mitigation plan is also provided for each.