Michael Fallon has told ITV News he was "rather careless" to claim some parts of the UK felt "under siege" from immigration.
But the Defence Secretary insisted there was an issue with large numbers of European migrants entering the UK and putting pressure on services.
A senior member of the German government has slapped down David Cameron over his plans to curb immigration from the European Union.
Finance minister Wolfgang Schauble said freedom of movement among members was a "basic principle" of the EU and "cannot be restricted.
He told the Times (£): "There is not much room to manoeuvre . The basic rules of the EU are not up for negotiation."
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.