Tony Abbott in talks over Brexit commerce function with UK authorities

Former prime minister of Australia Tony Abbott says he has spoken to British ministers about taking over a job in post-Brexit commerce talks.

“I’ve had some discussions with members of the British authorities. I’m very happy to assist however there may be nothing official as but,” he instructed MPs.

He instructed the Commons Overseas Affairs Committee the UK ought to “not worry a so-called exhausting exit” from the EU.

He declined to supply particulars of his doable function with the UK authorities.

However he added: “I might be doing it as a non-public citizen. I do not assume there could be any requirement for Australian authorities approval.”

He instructed the committee he wished to see a free commerce deal between Britain and the EU, and he hoped the EU “involves its senses” and provides the UK “at the least a Canada-style free commerce deal”.

However he added that the UK mustn’t worry a “no deal” exit, because it was “already doing a lot on a no deal foundation anyway”.

Mr Abbott, who’s collaborating in a web-based assembly with the choose committee, is within the UK for 10 days.

He mentioned he had been granted permission to journey from Australia, the place the borders are at the moment closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, however he shall be spending 14 days in “lodge quarantine” on his return, at his personal expense.