Joe Biden hails Britain his ‘closest ally in the world’ as he meets Liz Truss for the first time as PM

JOE Biden hailed Britain as America’s “closest ally in the world” as he met PM Liz Truss for the first time tonight.

Cementing the special relationship at the UN in New York, Ms Truss agreed the US was a “steadfast ally” to the UK.

But they braced for an awkward behind-closed-doors chat about Brexit as Biden prepared to confront the PM on her stance.

They were originally supposed to meet at Downing Street when Biden flew in for the Queen’s funeral – but it was postponed at the last minute.

The President told Truss that he was “amazed” and “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of affection for Her Majesty following her passing.

Biden was among many heads of state who attended the funeral on Bank Holiday Monday.

He said he was “honoured” to attend the ceremony and praised the thousands of Brits who queued to pay their respects.

The war in Ukraine is set to dominate the discussion between the leaders as Putin ramps up his crazed threats against the West.

But the pair could collide on Brexit as President Biden prepares to confront Ms Truss on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The PM is threatening to rip up the deal if the EU continues to insist on trade checks for goods flowing between Britain and Northern Ireland.

President Biden is pushing for a negotiated settlement amid feats the peacekeeping Good Friday Agreement would be jeopardised.

The White House confirmed on Tuesday the President would broach the thorny topic with Ms Truss at their bilateral meeting.

The relationship also showed signs of strain yesterday when Biden scolded the economic policies some say are advocated by Ms Truss.

He tweeted: “I am sick and tired of trickle-down economics. It has never worked. We’re building an economy from the bottom up and middle out.”

Ms Truss’ spokesman said it was “ludicrous” to suggest this was a direct attack on her.

The PM is set to unveil a range of new economic measures to try and turbo-charge Britain’s flagging economy.

The new Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, is set to slash energy bills by half and scrap a scheduled hike in corporation tax.

A “mini-budget” on Friday could also see the Government implement £150bn worth of bold measures as they bid to turn the country around.

Business Secretary  revealed details of support package at this morning, with the Chancelllor saying: “We have stepped in to stop businesses collapsing, protect jobs, and limit inflation.”

Stamp duty could be scrapped and the Chancellor could slash the Health and Social Care Levy that was brought in under Boris Johnson’s administration last April.