Theresa May says Donald Trump's comments about groping women's genitalia were 'unacceptable'

She however said she felt positive about the billionaire's presidency

Donald Trump’s comments about using his fame to sexually assault women with impunity were “unacceptable”, the Prime Minister has said.

Theresa May criticised the US president-elect but said she had had two “very good, positive conversations” with Mr Trump since his election.

She said she was “optimistic and positive for the future” of the UK’s relationship with the US under the billionaire right-wing tycoon.

Ms May’s comments contrasted with those of Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who in October refused to criticise Mr Trump. He said he did not want to “intervene in the US election” by giving his view.

During the US presidential election campaign a historical tape emerged in which Mr Trump was heard saying “And when you’re a star they let you do it. You can do anything … Grab them by the p****. You can do anything.”

Mr Trump went on to lose the popular vote in the election by 2.9 million votes, but was elected president anyway due to the US’s unique electoral system.

Asked on Sky News’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme about Mr Trump’s comments, Ms May said: “I think that’s unacceptable. But in fact Donald Trump has said that and has apologised for it.”

She however added: “The relationship that the UK has with the United States is about something much bigger than the relationship between the two individuals as President and Prime Minister.”

“I’ve had two very good, positive conversations with Donald Trump already, from the conversations I’ve had I think we’re going to look to build on that relationship for the benefit of both the US and the UK. I think that’s something that’s optimistic and positive for the future.”

“It’s a relationship where actually in the UK we feel we can say to the US if we disagree with something they’re doing.