Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said he is preparing for tough negotiations with US President Donald Trump to win his commitment to maintain a strong American presence in the Asia-Pacific.

A wind speed of 114mph brought by Storm Eowyn has been recorded in Ireland, the fastest since records began, Irish forecaster Met Eireann said.

Nationwide Building Society said that despite some modest recent improvements in housing affordability, the deposit hurdle remains high.

The Business Secretary has left the door open to joining a tariff-free trading scheme with Europe following a meeting with the EU trade commissioner in Davos.