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Joe Biden downplays chances of UK-US trade deal Joe Biden downplays chances of UK-US trade deal
(about 1 hour later)
Joe Biden and Boris Johnson hold face-to-face talks "This is a very important trip for us": Boris Johnson and Joe Biden hold face-to-face talks
Joe Biden has downplayed the chances of brokering a post-Brexit free trade deal with the UK, as he held talks with Boris Johnson at the White House.Joe Biden has downplayed the chances of brokering a post-Brexit free trade deal with the UK, as he held talks with Boris Johnson at the White House.
Downing Street said its priority was still getting a deal with the US alone.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.But the BBC understands that UK ministers are now considering joining an existing North American trade pact instead of pursuing a separate deal.
The UK and US leaders also discussed Afghanistan, security and climate change during the 90-minute meeting.The UK and US leaders also discussed Afghanistan, security and climate change during the 90-minute meeting.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office before the meeting, Mr Biden said the pair would discuss trade "a little bit", adding: "We're going to have to work that through". Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office before the talks, Mr Biden said the pair would discuss trade "a little bit", adding: "We're going to have to work that through".
Mr Johnson earlier downplayed the chances of securing a trade deal with the US before the next general election. On Tuesday, Mr Johnson also downplayed chances of securing a deal with the US before the next general election, saying: "The Americans do negotiate very hard."
But during a joint appearance Vice President Kamala Harris, he told reporters there had been "real progress" on UK-US talks. But after the meeting Downing Street said the two leaders "had agreed to continue working towards a future full free trade agreement".
Joe Biden urges unity amid tensions with allies A deal would encourage trade by making it cheaper - usually by reducing or eliminating taxes called tariffs.
Biden meets Boris: Shared interests but bumps remainBiden meets Boris: Shared interests but bumps remain
Joe Biden urges unity amid tensions with allies
A source familiar with the government's thinking suggested to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that the UK could negotiate entry into an existing trade arrangement between the US, Canada and Mexico - known as the USMCA - set up after former US President Donald Trump tore up its predecessor, NAFTA.A source familiar with the government's thinking suggested to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that the UK could negotiate entry into an existing trade arrangement between the US, Canada and Mexico - known as the USMCA - set up after former US President Donald Trump tore up its predecessor, NAFTA.
"There are a variety of different ways to do this," the source said. "There are a variety of different ways to do this," the source said. "The question is whether the US administration is ready. The ball is in the US's court. It takes two to tango."
"The question is whether the US administration is ready. The ball is in the US's court. It takes two to tango." Elsewhere, Downing Street said Mr Johnson and Mr Biden agreed all diplomatic and humanitarian methods must be used to stop conditions getting worse in Afghanistan.
Mr Johnson said there had been "real progress" on trade negotiations as he met US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington DC The leaders said any international recognition of the Taliban must be contingent on the group respecting human rights.
Mr Johnson and Mr Biden said all diplomatic and humanitarian methods must be used to stop conditions getting worse in Afghanistan. It comes amid a request by the Taliban to address world leaders at the United Nations summit in New York this week.
Officials said they agreed that any international recognition of the Taliban must be contingent on the group respecting human rights. Before the meeting, Mr Biden also issued a fresh warning to the UK that peace in Northern Ireland must not be jeopardised as a result of the complications caused by Brexit - although a Downing Street source has said the issue was not raised in their private discussions.
Mr Biden also issued a fresh warning to the UK that peace in Northern Ireland must not be jeopardised as a result of the complications caused by Brexit - although a Downing Street source has said the issue was not raised in their private discussions. Mr Biden made it clear he has concerns about the Irish border, a point of tension between the White House and No 10, amid continuing issues with Northern Ireland Protocol - the arrangement which helps prevent checks along the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Mr Biden made it clear he has concerns about the Irish border, a point of tension between the White House, and No 10, amid continuing issues with Northern Ireland Protocol - the post-Brexit trade arrangements involving Northern Ireland. The meeting - taking place on the sidelines of the UN summit - also involved the traditional exchange of gifts.
"On the protocols, I feel very strongly about those. We spent an enormous amount of time and effort, in the United States, it was a major bipartisan effort made." Mr Biden gave the prime minister a framed photo of their first meeting in Cornwall at the G7 summit in June, and a White House branded watch, according to officials.
Mr Johnson said "that's absolutely right", adding: "On that point, Joe, we're completely at one, nobody wants to see anything that interrupts or unbalances the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement." Mr Johnson gave the president a signed copy of a book written by British astronaut Tim Peake with an inscription expressing hopes that it "provides a reminder of what we're fighting to save as our countries tackle climate change together".
The meeting between Mr Johnson and Mr Biden is the second time they have met in person, with the first being at the G7 summit in Cornwall earlier this year. The prime minister's gift comes weeks ahead of the COP26 climate summit, which is seen as a crucial moment to bring climate change under control.
And it comes ahead of a third face-to-face meeting in Glasgow for the COP26 climate summit in November.
The event, which will see global leaders gather to discuss the issue, is seen as a crucial moment to bring climate change under control.
Earlier, Mr Biden announced the US would double its climate finance pledge and increase funding for developing countries to $11.4bn (£8.3bn) by 2024.Earlier, Mr Biden announced the US would double its climate finance pledge and increase funding for developing countries to $11.4bn (£8.3bn) by 2024.
Mr Johnson said the US had "stepped up to the plate" with what he called a "massive contribution" towards the $100bn goal for countries to raise.Mr Johnson said the US had "stepped up to the plate" with what he called a "massive contribution" towards the $100bn goal for countries to raise.
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