US spied on Angela Merkel:

Germany to send top intelligence chiefs to Washington

Germany will send its top intelligence chiefs to Washington to “push forward” an investigation on allegations the US spied on its leader Angela Merkel.

The heads of foreign and domestic intelligence would hold talks with the White House and the National Security Agency, a government spokesperson said.

Earlier, Germany and France said they want the US to sign a no-spy deal by the end of the year.

EU leaders have warned a lack of trust could harm the fight against terrorism.

As well as the bugging of Mrs Merkel’s phone, there are claims the NSA has monitored millions of telephone calls by both German and French citizens.

Spain on Friday followed Germany and France in summoning the US Ambassador to explain reports of spying on the country.

Italy has also expressed anger at reports it too has been spied on. US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki acknowledged that the revelations - most of them sourced to former US intelligence worker Edward Snowden - have “posed a moment of tension with some of our allies”.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the White House said it has not bugged David Cameron’s phone.

National Security Council spokesperson Caitlin Hayden said on Friday the communications of the UK prime minister “have not, are not and will not be monitored by the US”.