Donald Trump attempts to backtrack after saying NHS ‘on the table’ in post-Brexit trade deal

US President Donald Trump has attempted to backtrack on his claim the NHS was "on the table" in post Brexit trade talks between the USA and the UK.

In a joint press conference with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday, Trump declared the health service would form part of any future deal.

He said: "When you're dealing in trade, everything is on the table - so NHS or anything else, a lot more than that, but everything will be on the table, absolutely."

The comment led to a furious backlash, including from UK health secretary and Tory leadership candidate Matt Hancock, who tweeted: "Dear Mr President. The NHS isn’t on the table in trade talks - and never will be. Not on my watch."

However, speaking to Good Morning Britain later, Trump said: "I don't see it being on the table", as the health service was "something that I would not consider part of trade".

Jeremy Corbyn, who had earlier spoke at an anti-Trump rally in London, said: "Theresa May stood next to Donald Trump as he said the NHS will be 'on the table' in a US trade deal. And that's what Tory leadership contenders and Farage are lining up for the No Deal disaster capitalism plans they have.

"They all need to understand: our NHS is not for sale."

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "As First Minister my view is clear - Scotland’s NHS is not and must never be ‘on the table’ in a trade negotiation with President Trump, or anyone else for that matter."