Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has been handed a top job advising the UK government on trade - despite a string of allegedly homophobic and sexist comments.

Senior LGBT supporters including Sir Ian McKellen and Stonewall, as well as the Labour Party's equalities spokesperson, urged Boris Johnson to block the appointment.

Mr Abbott, 62, previously said he feels "threatened by homosexuality" and has campaigned "vigorously" against legalising same-sex marriage in Australia, according to campaigners.

He has also sparked controversy around women's rights, abortion and climate change.

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