Boris gives thumbs-up to ‘friendly' chat with Biden

BORIS JOHNSON became the first European leader to take a call from new US President Joe Biden and said the new administration was a “moment of hope in a dark time”.

- David Maddox and Marco Giannangeli

The Prime Minister added both “looked forward to deepening the longstanding alliance” between the two countries.

During the 35 minute call the benefits of a free trade agreement was also discussed along with strengthening cooperation on defence and security, No10 said.

The US President, whose election marks a major change in direction from his predecessor Donald Trump, had only previously called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador since his swearing-in ceremony.