Mrs Merkel 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.

But the Home Secretary said the UK wants a "deep and special partnership" its continental neighbours.

She said: "I think that as we begin the negotiations about leaving the EU we will be able to reassure Germany and other European countries that we are going to be a strong partner to them - strong partner in defence, in security and we hope in trade.

"Those negotiations are only just going to be beginning just 11 days after June 8."

It was suggested to Ms Rudd on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the German Chancellor had already made up her mind on the issue.

Ms Rudd said: "We can reassure Mrs Merkel that we want to have a deep and special partnership so that we can continue to maintain European-wide security to keep us all safe from the terrorists and abroad and that are trying to be nurtured in our country."