British MP George Galloway says Julian Assange who is wanted in Sweden on allegations of rape is guilty of nothing worse than “bad manners”.

It is alleged the Wikileaks founder had sex with a sleeping woman.

The Respect MP has said “It might be really sordid and bad sexual etiquette, but whatever else it is, it is not rape”.

His comments have sparked fierce criticism.

In a video posted online Mr. Galloway said the claims against the Wikileaks founder amounted to “bad sexual etiquette” but not rape.

He has since defended his claims.

The MP who is now in Jakarta has released a statement in which he says he is “happy to clarify” his remarks and that no never means yes.

But says the allegations against Mr Assange had “all the hallmarks of a set-up”.

Hear an excerpt from the recording below.