Donald Trump claimed today that he tried to broker a meeting between Harry Dunn’s grieving parents and the American woman who killed him, Anne Sacoolas, because Boris Johnson suggested he do so.

Mr Dunn’s parents, Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn, arrived at the White House on Tuesday night to be told that Mrs Sacoolas was in the room next door.

The couple refused to meet her and the family’s lawyer, Mark Stephens, on Wednesday called the attempt at a surprise a “gargantuan miscalculation”.

Mr Trump later said the plan was originally the British Prime Minister’s.

“I spoke with Boris he asked me if I’d do that, and I did it,” he said. “I offered to bring the person in question in and they weren't ready for it. But I did offer.” Downing Street downplayed the idea they had suggested the encounter.