The British government has cast doubt on claims that the UK could formally start the Brexit process by early next year.

The European Council president Donald Tusk made the claim last night following a recent meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

A spokesperson for Mrs May is insisting Mr Tusk's comments were just an "interpretation" of their conversation.

But the new UKIP leader Diane James wants Theresa May to hurry up with the process of leaving the EU: