Kerry: Spying 'not unusual' in international relations

US Secretary of State John Kerry has responded to allegations that the US bugged the offices of its allies, saying its activities were "not unusual" in international relations.

There has been outrage in Europe following claims that EU embassies and American allies including France, Italy and Greece were among those targeted.

Mr Kerry said: "I want to see the allegations and I need to find out what the truth and what the situation is."

He continued: "Every country in the world that is engaged in international affairs of national security undertakes lots of activities to protect its national security, and all kinds of information contributes to that."