DONALD Trump deserves "respect" for emerging as the Republican presumptive nominee for the US presidency, David Cameron has insisted in an apparent diplomatic move to ease tensions after the Prime Minister’s previous criticism of the billionaire businessman.
Last December in the House of Commons, the Conservative leader branded Mr Trump's call for foreign Muslims to be banned temporarily form entering America "stupid, divisive, and wrong" and added: “If he came to visit our country, he would unite us all against him."
However, as the TV reality show star emerged as the last Republican candidate standing in the race for the White House following his win in the Indiana primary earlier this week, Mr Cameron struck a decidedly conciliatory tone towards him.
Asked if he should apologise to Mr Trump for condemning the Republican’s Muslim remarks, the PM made clear at a No 10 press conference that he stood by them.
He told reporters: "It is a matter for voters in the United States to decide who they choose as their next president.
"I have to say that knowing the gruelling nature of the primaries and what you have to go through; anyone who makes it through that extraordinary contest to lead their party into a general election certainly deserves our respect.”
Mr Cameron then added: "What I said about Muslims, I won't change that view; I don't change that view.
“I am very clear that the policy idea that was put forward was wrong, is wrong, and will remain wrong, so I am very clear about that."
Later an aide to the PM made clear he respected Trump “politician to politician”.
Downing St sources have made clear Mr Cameron would be willing to meet Mr Trump as he would any other presidential candidate who visited the UK and wanted bilateral talks. Four years ago, the PM met Mitt Romney, the previous Republican presidential candidate.
Earlier this week, George Papadopoulos, an advisor to Mr Trump, said Mr Cameron should apologise for his previous remarks.
“To see Mr Cameron come out as the most vocal opponent was uncalled for,” he declared, adding: “Considering the UK-US relationship should be a cornerstone not just of Nato policy but elsewhere, it would be wise for him to reach out in a more positive manner to Mr Trump.”
Elsewhere, the Rolling Stones have told the Republican candidate to stop playing their songs during his campaign, pointing out he does not have their permission to do so.
The British band's 1969 hit You Can't Always Get What You Want has been a popular song choice for his events.
In a statement, the band said: "The Rolling Stones have never given permission to the Trump campaign to use their songs and have requested that they cease all use immediately."
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