Brexit will not harm the information-sharing relationship between Britain and America’s spy agencies, a leading US intelligence official has told The Telegraph.

Anthony Vassalo, a senior figure at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence – the top body in US intelligence – said he expected no “material change” after the UK leaves the European Union.

The comment, which comes with Britain locked in uncertainty about the shape of Brexit, will allay fears that the country’s close intelligence-sharing links with America could be damaged.

Concerns about the impact of Brexit on public safety have emerged in recent weeks, with Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, warning that Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement would “threaten the national security of the country”.

The UK and US are both part of the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance, along with Australia, New Zealand and Canada, which sees the countries readily share classified material.

During a rare briefing with journalists to mark the publication of the Trump administration’s new national intelligence strategy, US officials outlined their plans for the coming four years.