Donald Trump has claimed the UK has asked the United States for 200 "desperately needed" ventilators due to a shortage amid the coronavirus crisis.
The US leader described Britain as “great partners” as he said “we’ve got to work it out” and help with the supply of the life-saving equipment.
Mr Trump also said he was praying for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was spending his second night in intensive care while fighting Covid-19.
The president told a White House press conference on Tuesday night: "The UK called today and they wanted to know if it would be possible to get 200 (ventilators) and we're going to work it out, we've got to work it out.
"They've been great partners. They wanted 200, they need them desperately".
On Mr Johnson's stay in intensive care, Mr Trump added: "We pray for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He's become a great friend of ours.
“He loves his country but he loves the USA and he has always been very good to us.
"Whenever we have had difficulty he has been with us and we appreciate it."
The reported call for more ventilators from the US comes after doctors were told they could be forced to withdraw treatment from patients in favour of giving it to those who have a better chance of survival.
The British Medical Association's (BMA) ethics advice published last week said health professionals may need to make "grave decisions" as the crisis continues to stretch supplies of vital equipment.
The document warns that decisions around rationing scarce resources, such as ventilators, could determine whether large numbers of patients will receive life-saving treatment or not.
