Joe Biden has played down the chances of brokering a post-Brexit free trade deal with the UK, as he held talks with Boris Johnson at the White House, writes BBC.

Downing Street said its priority was still getting a deal with the US alone.

But the BBC understands that UK ministers are now considering joining an existing North American trade pact instead of pursuing a separate deal.

The two leaders also discussed Northern Ireland, climate change and Afghanistan during the 90-minute meeting.

Downing Street said they “had agreed to continue working towards a future full free trade agreement”.

However, Mr Johnson had earlier also downplayed chances of securing a deal with the US before the next general election, saying: “The Americans do negotiate very hard”.