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Boris Johnson and Donald Trump began a bromance in Biarritz when they met for the first time as leaders of their countries.

The pair – both frequently accused of making things up – spoke of their admiration for one another as they spelt out priorities for a post-Brexit trade deal.

Some fear Mr Johnson will sacrifice animal welfare standards and open up the NHS to powerful American drugs companies as he tries to please the US President and forge an agreement.

Praising Mr Johnson while slamming Theresa May , the US President said yesterday at the G7 summit in France: “This is a different person... a person that’s going to be a great Prime Minister.”

The grinning PM said: “I’m not going to dissent. I’m not going to discourage you from that, Donald.”

(Image: PA)

Among the critics was Labour MP Stephen Doughty who said: “The images of these two buffoons engaged in an orgy of egotistical self-delusion shows us how far our great nations have fallen.

“Britain deserves so much better than an anti-democratic, deluded, lying Prime Minister who will sell us and our NHS out for nothing to Trump – a man who has revelled in extreme right-wing attitudes that Johnson and his team would only be too happy to import to the UK.

“Johnson is happy to trade away our jobs, public services and national security with a ­reckless, no-deal Brexit .”

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: “Johnson stands there with Trump like an embarrassed fifth former on work placement.

(Image: REUTERS)

“No other Prime Minister would allow themselves to be patronised in this way or allow [the UK] to be treated in such a humiliating manner. Stop selling us out to Trump.”

Mr Johnson and Mr Trump, who strolled down a huge flight of stairs to pose together at the bottom, began their love-in over veal sausages at breakfast.

Asked if he had any advice for the PM, Mr Trump said: “He needs no advice, he is the right man for the job. I’ve been saying that for a long time.”

He also launched an attack on Mrs May by saying these endorsements “didn’t make your predecessor happy”.

Mr Johnson said: “I’m very grateful for that and we’re looking forward to having some pretty comprehensive talks about how to take forward the relationship in all sorts of ways, particularly on trade.”

(Image: PA)

Stepping up his assault on Mrs May, the President claimed she hampered UK-US trade talks. He added he is looking forward to Britain being free of “the anchor around their ankle” and the “obstacle” of being in the EU.

Mr Johnson later said the White House wants a deal by next summer. He added: “We’re keen to go as fast as we can.” But in a separate interview, the PM admitted: “To do it all within a year is going to be tight.”

Mr Johnson also insisted the NHS would not be on the table in negotiations.

A senior UK official later said that Mr Trump also agreed the health service would not form part of a deal.

Meanwhile, in his first face-to-face talks with EU chief Donald Tusk, Mr Johnson “repeated that we will be leaving the EU on October 31 whatever the circumstances”, according to No10.

(Image: PA)

Mr Johnson last week pressed for the Withdrawal Agreement to be renegotiated. German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave him 30 days to come up with alternative arrangements to the Backstop.

But an EU official said nothing new was mentioned yesterday in the meeting with Mr Tusk. Earlier, the Tory leader said it was “touch and go” whether Britain would leave with no deal on October 31.

He also said yesterday that Britain “can easily cope with a no-deal”, adding: “Frankly, I think it’s highly unlikely that there will be food shortages of any kind.”

The PM has reportedly taken legal advice from Attorney General Geoffrey Cox about shutting down Parliament for five weeks from September 9. But a senior official said Mr Johnson would not stop MPs “debating Brexit in Parliament”.

(Image: REUTERS)

Senior Tories have reportedly simulated plans for a general election on October 17 – the day EU leaders are due to gather in Brussels for a summit. But a source ruled out an October election, saying: “The PM isn’t planning on that.”

Some other halves of G7 leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife Brigitte, joined Mr Tusk’s wife Malg­orzata on a trip near Biarritz. Mr Johnson’s partner Carrie Symonds was not seen. It is thought she is not at the summit because of work commitments.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Italy’s Giuseppe Conte and Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe are also representing G7 countries.

Ex-Chancellor Philip Hammond has demanded an apology from Mr Johnson after No10 tried to blame disgruntled ministers from Mrs May’s time as PM for the leak of a no-deal document.

Mr Hammond said it was dated August 2019 – after Mr Johnson took office.