Brexit: Jeremy Hunt claims EU have been 'more constructive' in negotiations since Soviet Union comparison

Jeremy Hunt has claimed the European Union has been more "constructive" in its approach to the Brexit negotiations since he likened the bloc's tactics to the Soviet Union.

It comes after the foreign secretary provoked outrage at the Conservative Party conference earlier this month with his confrontational speech - accusing the EU of becoming "a prison" and vowing to "fight" for the Brexit deal Britain wants.

The incendiary remarks were widely-criticised with the former head of the UK's diplomatic service, Lord Ricketts, claiming they were "unworthy" of a British foreign secretary and Theresa May rebuking Mr Hunt.

Asked whether he regretted his remarks on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the foreign secretary replied: "It was a very passionate argument that said the EU was set up to defend our freedoms against totalitarianism so it's not appropriate for a club of free nations to take the attitude of someone that needs to be punished.

He continued: "I have to say that in the period since that speech we have had a very different approach from the EU - a much more constructive approach that has led to the situation that we're in now where all but one or two issues have been resolved.

"We can be hopeful that we will eventually get a deal."

Mr Hunt also used his appearance to urge Conservative MP's to unite behind the prime minister, and rejected claims Ms May had "capitulated" in the face of demands from the EU.

"The reason why this week has been difficult is because Theresa May has not buckled. She has held firm. She has stuck to her principles," he said.

"It is precisely because she has not capitulated that we have not concluded this agreement.

"The one thing I would say to my colleagues is that the great strength of the EU in these negotiations is that the 27 EU nations have remained united.

"We now need to do the same behind Theresa May to maximise her negotiating leverage in Brussels and make sure she does come back with that deal that honours the letter and spirit of the referendum decision."