US ready to strike free trade deal with Britain, says Paul Ryan

The United States is ready to strike a free trade deal with Britain as soon as possible, the Speaker of the House of Representatives said.

Paul Ryan, a senior member of Donald Trump's Republican party, told a central London audience that US lawmakers are committed to working with the president towards a bilateral agreement with the UK.

His clear signal provides a significant boost for Theresa May as European Union leaders take the first steps towards agreeing a negotiating position for forthcoming Brexit talks.