Boris Johnson has hailed “real progress” on US-UK trade – despite his earlier refusal to commit to securing a free trade deal between the two countries by the time of the next general election.

Speaking as he met US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington DC, the prime minister spoke of British and American collaboration on issues such as climate change and Afghanistan.

“On trade we are seeing real progress,” Mr Johnson said, as he welcomed the end of a “curious ban” on imports of British beef.

However, the prime minister’s positivity came just hours after he failed to commit to securing a post-Brexit trade agreement between the US and UK by 2024.

Stood at a podium alongside Ms Harris in the vice-president’s office in the White House complex, Mr Johnson also praised the “brave” US military for its role in evacuating Kabul airport following the fall of Afghanistan to Taliban control.

The prime minister thanked the US for the “great improvement on the previous arrangement” for allowing full vaccinated Britons to visit America again.

And he welcomed the additional contribution to the $100bn pledge to tackle climate change made by US President Joe Biden.

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“Today was a great day for the world,” Mr Johnson said. “It was,” Ms Harris added.

Following the pair’s talks, the prime minister was due to hold a meeting with Mr Biden later on Tuesday.

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