Donald Trump has been disrespectful towards the prime minister and the UK, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said. His comments come after President Trump called Sir Kim Darroch, the UK ambassador to the US, a very stupid guy amid a row over leaked emails. He went on to criticise Theresa May over Brexit, saying she had ignored his advice and gone her own foolish way. On Sunday emails revealed the ambassador had called the Trump administration clumsy and inept. Meanwhile, International Trade Secretary Liam Foxs scheduled meeting with the US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in the US was cancelled on Tuesday. Mr Hunt responded to Mr Trumps latest outburst by tweeting: Friends speak frankly so I will: these comments are disrespectful and wrong to our prime minister and my country. The Tory leadership hopeful also said he would keep Sir Kim in his post until he retires at Christmas. During a televised debate, Boris Johnson, the current Tory leadership frontrunner, was pushed on whether he would keep the ambassador, but said he wouldnt be so presumptuous as to think he would be in a position to do that. Mr Johnson said he had a good relationship with the White House and that it was important to have a close partnership with the US. BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the row was a reminder of the tricky and sensitive nature of the UKs relationship with the US and the challenge facing the Tory leadership hopefuls in dealing with a president who seems to love stirring up controversy. Its Jeremy Hunt, normally seen as the more cautious of the two, whos speaking much more plainly and directly to Donald Trump on the matter, while Boris Johnson has said only that hes not embarrassed about being close to the White House, she said. Following Mr Trumps comments on Monday that the US would no longer deal with Sir Kim, the US State Department said it would continue to deal with any accredited individuals until we get any further guidance from the White House or the president. We have an incredibly special and strategic relationship with the United Kingdom that has gone on for quite a long time - its bigger than any individual or government, the department added. Earlier, Downing Street reaffirmed its full support for Sir Kim. A spokesman for Theresa May said that Sir Kim is a dutiful, respected government official and confirmed there were no plans for Mrs May and Mr Trump to hold a call to discuss relations following the leak. Number 10 also confirmed that Sir Kim would not be attending a meeting between Ivanka Trump and the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox in Washington. The spokesman said: He isnt attending that meeting but he is supporting Liam Fox in other ways on his trip. Earlier on Tuesday Mr Trump tweeted: The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was handled. I told @theresa_may how to do that deal, but she went her own foolish way-was unable to get it done. A disaster! I dont know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool. Tell him the USA now has the best Economy & Military anywhere in the World, by far...and they are both only getting bigger, better and stronger...Thank you, Mr. President!
