Brexit trade talks to start with EU AND US as soon as Britain leaves on 31 January

BREXIT trade talks are set to begin with the EU AND the US as soon as Britain leaves the bloc on January 31, it's been confirmed today.

Boris Johnson's spokesperson said discussions would be able to formally start with countries around the world once we're finally out of the EU's clutches on February 1.

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The PM's spokesperson insisted that the UK would "not just focus on a partnership with the EU."

They added: "Once we leave the EU on 31 January we will be free to hold trade discussions with countries across the world.";

The possibility of a speedy trade deal with the US could push the EU into sealing a trade agreement with Britain faster.

Critics say that 11 months - until the end of the transition period which runs to December 2020 - isn't long enough to get something in place.

New EU boss Ursula von der Leyen has already hinted that the transition period could have to be extended to have time to seal a deal.

But Boris has vowed not to extend it, no matter what the circumstances - and will write it in the Brexit law to be passed in the coming weeks.

Boris will meet von der Leyen in Downing Street for talks on Wednesday, where he is set to stress the importance of a quick deal so both sides can finally move on.

No10 added: "The Prime Minister and the government could not be any clear in its position that we will be leaving the implementation period on December 2020. There will be no extension."

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Britain will officially leave the EU on January 31 after MPs passed the first stage of the Brexit deal at the end of last year.

It will come back to the Commons tomorrow for more debate before going to the Lords next week.

But after Boris won his huge majority in last month's snap election, the bill is set to sail through.

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