UK Ministers defend plan to hand Tony Abbott trade role despite homophobia claims

When told on Sky News that Mr Abbott is homophobic and misogynistic, Matt Hancock said: “He’s also an expert in trade.”

Tony Abbott has been accused of homophobia (Chris Jackson/PA)

Ministers in the UK have defended a plan to hand a senior trade role to former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott amid mounting pressure to drop him over allegations of homophobia and misogyny.

Downing Street insists no decision has been made but Mr Abbott is in talks to become joint president of the UK's relaunched Board of Trade.