Downing Street has urged Donald Trump to honour his commitments made at the G7 summit in thinly veiled criticism of the US President.
It follows the decision by Mr Trump shortly after the weekend summit to dramatically disown the G7 communique that agreed on the need for “free, fair, and mutually beneficial trade” and the importance of tackling protectionism.
Asked about Mr Trump’s actions, a Downing Street spokesperson told journalists at a regular Westminster briefing: “The communique was agreed by all the parties who attended the G7 and we fully intend to honour it.
“We would hope that the U.S. will similarly honour the commitments that they have made,” they added.
The remarks come ahead of Ms May’s statement in the Commons regarding the summit which is attended by the UK, Japan, Canada, the US, Italy, Germany, and France.
After the communique had been confirmed by the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, the US President backtracked from the agreement, tweeting that he had decided not to endorse it due to “false statements” from Mr Trudeau.
In his incendiary remarks following the G7 gathering in Canada, Mr Trump wrote: “Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive tariffs to our US farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our US reps not to endorse the communique as we look at tariffs on automobiles flooding the US market!”
His views were echoed by John Bolton, the president’s national security adviser, who added: “Just another G7 where other countries except America will always be there bank.
“The president made it clear today,” he added. “No more.”
But at the weekend Ms May defended the US president’s decision to leave the summit early, adding it was to prepare for his looming talks with North Korea.
“Yes, he left this summit early – because he is going to Singapore to sit down with Kim Jong-un to discuss the denuclearisation of North Korea,” she claimed.
