GETTY Six countries have opened their arms to Britain over trade deals

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Australia, Canada, South Korea, India and Mexico are all understood to be keen to get around the negotiating table as soon as possible and American politicians are also eager to strike a deal. US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan is calling for urgent talks on new trade agreements to ensure “a smooth” relationship after Brexit, despite the warnings from President Barack Obama that Britain would go the back of the queue in the event of a leave vote. Mr Ryan, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and one of the party’s most senior politicians, said: “Obviously it takes time to do something like this but I think it is something we should be working on. “We should begin discussions with Great Britain to ease concerns so that we do have a smooth trade relationship with Great Britain, because they are our indispensable ally.”

The United Kingdom has stood with us at the front lines of battle, and it should therefore be at the front of the line for a free trade agreement that benefits both our nations. Sen Tom Cotton

Mr Ryan, who backs free trade as a tool to improve foreign relations, is not the only US politician calling on the administration to launch talks with London to make sure the "special relationship" is not damaged when Britain leaves the EU. Utah Senator Mike Lee has proposed legislation requiring the US and Britain to “honour our current arrangements” until new bilateral deals are drafted and direct US trade representatives to begin negotiations "as soon as possible". He said: “Our nation’s special relationship with the United Kingdom has promoted economic prosperity and security in both countries for over a hundred years. “This relationship can and should be preserved, which is why we have introduced legislation that would minimise uncertainty and promote stability as the United Kingdom declares their independence from the European Union.”

GETTY Special relationship: pounds and dollars

GETTY Senator Ton Cotton

Fellow Republican, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, said talks should begin immediately. He said: “The United Kingdom has stood with us at the front lines of battle, and it should therefore be at the front of the line for a free trade agreement that benefits both our nations. “At this time of transition for our ancestral ally, it is in our deepest interest to reaffirm the Special Relationship. And it is my hope that our other European allies will also move in the spirit of magnanimity, generosity, and continued friendship as they negotiate new partnerships with the United Kingdom.”

Brexit: What happens next Fri, June 24, 2016 After yesterday's referendum, here is a look at what will happen immediately following the historic vote for Britain to leave the EU. Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 14 Brexit: What to expect next

PA Business Secretary Sajid Javid