Cameron hosts Danish delegation amid furore over book claims

Mr Cameron greeted Lars Lokke Rasmussen for bilateral talks, which included Britain’s forthcoming referendum on European Union membership and the refugee crisis facing the continent.

The Ashes-winning England men’s cricket team and the England women’s team, who lost their series with the Australians, also visited Number 10 for a reception.

Mr Cameron has been subject to claims made in Call Me Dave by billionaire peer Lord Ashcroft and journalist Isabel Oakeshott, serialised in the Daily Mail.

Downing Street has declined to comment on the book’s contents while sources close to Mr Cameron said they “did not recognise” the accusations, which include claims linked to his student days.

At No 10, Mr Rasmussen pledged to support Britain staying in the EU but warned the institution could not become a “social union”.

He told Mr Cameron: “I also want to be supportive in paving the way for a yes for staying in the European Union when you call the referendum.”

Mr Rasmussen said he was in favour of freedom of movement, adding: “But I’m not in favour of freedom to claim social benefits.

“We should try and strike the right balance so we don’t develop the European Union to become a social union.”

The Danish PM said he believed this could be achieved.

Earlier Mr Cameron told Mr Rasmussen: “Britain and Denmark are very close friends. We cooperate in Nato, the European Union.

“We have a very close economic and trading relationship and also I was heartened by what you said in your election campaign about the need for European reform and support for the British renegotiation.”

Mr Cameron said Europe was facing “lots of big challenges”, including the Syrian crisis and migration.