Theresa May: "I'm not in the least robotic" NurPhoto/SIPA USA/PA Images LONDON — Theresa May has denied being "robotic" following criticism of her use of repetitive catchphrases during interviews and speeches.

The prime minister, who was nicknamed "the Maybot" by many commentators during her failed general election campaign, spoke out for the first time about the label.

"People used the term robotic about me," she told the BBC Test Match Special on Friday.

"I don't think I'm in the least robotic."

May, who has often been criticised for her use of slogans such as "Brexit means Brexit," "red, white and blue Brexit" and "strong and stable."

However, she insisted that there was genuine belief lying behind the slogans.

"I genuinely do want to deliver a country that works for everyone," she said.

The prime minister, who is a lifelong cricket fan, told the BBC cricket show's host Jonathan Agnew that she took full responsibility for the Conservative Party's failure to win a majority in the election. She also suggested that she had taken the defeat personally.

Hands on with Trump

Donald Trump and Theresa May Christopher Furlong / Getty May was asked about her much-criticised relationship with US President Donald Trump. May defended the president after he was pictured holding her hand at the White House.

"I think it was genuinely a moment of assistance," she said.

May also insisted she trusted Trump not to start a nuclear war, despite the president firing off tweets threatening that he would unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea.

"I believe that Donald Trump, the President of the United States, will take the decisions that are right for security and safety around the world," she insisted.