The comments were met with fury by Labour Muslim activists, who described them as “racist” and called on the party to meet them “with strength”.

However, Sir Keir Starmer did not offer a statement on the remarks, and Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, said only that she “doesn’t recognise” his view of the UK.

“I think he’s said quite a lot of fruity things in the past as well,” she said.

“We won votes across all different communities, across the whole of the country, and we’re interested in governing on behalf of Britain and also working with our international allies.”

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said the remarks were a “caricature” but that Labour would work with Mr Vance if Trump wins the US election.

“President Trump is controversial, isn’t he? It’s no surprise he’s picked a controversial running mate as his vice-presidential candidate,” he said.

“Look, in the end, as a country and as a government, we’ll work with whoever the American people elect.”

The Government’s tepid response comes after attempts by senior Labour figures to build ties with Trump in recent months, on the expectation he will replace Joe Biden.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has met Mr Vance several times in recent months and described him as a “friend”.

On Sunday, Sir Keir was one of the few foreign leaders to speak to Trump directly after the assassination attempt against him at a rally.