Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, has indicated Europe can no longer completely rely on its American and British allies in the wake of Brexit and the election of US President Donald Trump, declaring the continent's destiny is in "our own hands".

Her extraordinary comments followed meetings of European leaders with Mr Trump at Nato and the G7 .

Mrs Merkel, speaking at an election campaign event in a Bavarian beer tent, said it had served as a wake-up call.

She said: "The times in which we can fully count on others are somewhat over, as I have experienced in the past few days.

"And so, all I can say is that we Europeans must really take our destiny into our own hands."

Referencing Brexit, she said: "Of course we need to have friendly relations with the US, and with the UK, and with other neighbours, including Russia."

But she added: "We have to fight for our own future ourselves, for our destiny as Europeans."

Mrs Merkel wished French President Emmanuel Macron success. added: "Where Germany can help, Germany will help, because Germany can only do well if Europe is doing well."