Hans Michael Goldmann, an MP from the Free Democrats (FDP), junior partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling coalition, told the daily Bild that Murphy could no longer serve as an effective go-between.

“Mr Murphy’s behaviour is unseemly,” Goldmann said. “Such an ambassador should be called home.”

Another FDP deputy, Bijan Djir-Sarai, echoed the sentiment: “It is more than doubtful whether Mr Murphy can still be a trustworthy interlocutor.”