Donald Trump says the US is moving quickly towards a trade deal with Britain

The US president signalled his desire for close trading ties with the UK after it leaves the European Union

President Donald Trump walks to reporters to speak with them before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, en route to a campaign rally in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

President Donald Trump said he believed he was "very much aligned" with UK prime minister Boris Johnson. AP

Aug 15, 2019

President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States and Britain were moving rapidly towards a deal on trade that would be "fantastic and big".

"I think we'll make a fantastic and big trade deal with the UK," Trump told reporters before departing for a political rally in New Hampshire.

"That's moving along rapidly," he added.

He said he had talked to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday and would be speaking with him again. "He and I are very much aligned," Trump said.

The two countries are discussing a partial accord that could take effect on November 1, the day after Britain is due to leave the European Union, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday.

Sheep are guided through the the streets of central London during a demonstration to highlight troubles of the farming industry following Brexit. AP

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Officials from the two nations have discussed the possibility of a temporary agreement covering all sectors. Such a deal could last for around six months, the official told reporters.

Supporters of Britain's exit from the EU are hoping for a wide-ranging deal with the United States that could help cushion the nation from any disruption to trade with European neighbours.