There is relevance on Tony Abbott's appointment as
Trade Adviser to the UK.

His appointment attracted controversies in both countries.

It came as a time when Australia and post Brexit Britain
were negotiating a free-trade agreement.

Australia introduced the "foreign influence transparency Scheme"
in 2016 along with a series of measures aimed at toughening up
the country's foreign interference and espionage laws."

And that Abbott's appointment comes at a time when Australia
and post-Brexit Britain were negotiating a free-trade
agreement - was relevant.

Abbott was appointed by the UK government of Boris Johnson. It had precisely nothing to do with Australia or the Australian government although for some wanting to be so is the same as it being so.

He was appointed because the UK was going to be involved in a series of trade negotiations following Brexit and they were looking for experience and expertise in such things. Abbott had been involved in previous trade negotiations on Australia's behalf with the EU, USA and Japan. Valuable expertise indeed.

Additionally the UK government saw someone who shared their values....
"Explaining Mr Abbott’s appointment, one Department for International Trade official said: “Tony was chosen partly because he believes in Britain’s values — of open markets, liberal democracy, and rules-based free trade.”"

Their gain - our loss. (now that'll trigger the usual dills).

Many British "dill" politicians disagreed with the
appointment and listed Abbott's lack of qualifications
and inexperience, including values, on every level.

Depends who you listen to.

Kudos mhaze.

"Many British "dill" politicians disagreed with the
appointment "

Oh wow. Those people who were opposed to the Boris Johnson government also opposed his various decisions. Colour me convinced!!

I'd venture, the only person on planet surprised by this is the easily surprised Foxy.

mhaze,

British values?

If one considers British values to be the ones that
Tony Abbott supports - then his appointment of course
makes sense. However many British and Australians
do not agree . Hence the controversies.