The SNP has said Tony Abbott's appointment as an adviser to the Board of Trade is "beyond indefensible".

The controversial former Australian prime minister has been given the role despite critics arguing that he was not suitable to be a Government adviser.

Numerous concerns have been raised over allegations against the 62-year-old, including his climate change scepticism and belief that coronavirus restrictions should be lifted.

Abbott has previously said he felt "a bit threatened" by homosexuality and was accused of misogyny by fellow former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard.

Prominent LGBT figures, including Sir Ian McKellen and Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, signed an open letter alongside environmental activists to ask the Government to reconsider his potential appointment.

The letter said Abbott "vigorously campaigned" against Australia's successful marriage equality referendum in 2017 and had said climate change is "probably doing good".

But Boris Johnson defended him on Friday, heralding his status as a former leader of "freedom-loving" and "liberal" Australia.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon rips apart Hancock's praise for 'misogynist' Tony Abbott

The Department for International Trade formally announced on Friday that Abbott will form part of the new-look Board of Trade, in what is said to be an unpaid role.

In its announcement, the department stressed that advisers to the board will have "no direct role in striking trade deals".

The SNP's Westminster deputy leader Kirsten Oswald said: "The appointment of Tony Abbott to the UK's post-Brexit trade body is beyond indefensible and speaks volumes about the kind of Tory Government this is. 

"If holding misogynistic, homophobic, Trump-backing, climate change-denying views, as well as saying that some elderly people with Covid-19 should be allowed to die, is what qualifies you for a role with this Tory Government in promoting the UK internationally then it is not so much Global Britain as it is Little Britain.

"It's telling that the Tories' only defence of his litany of offensive remarks is that he also happens to be an expert in trade. 

READ MORE: Matt Hancock shrugs off anger over 'homophobe and misogynist' Tony Abbott

"This is a test for Douglas Ross who pledged to 'stand up' to Boris Johnson. Will he, along with his Scottish Tory colleagues, speak out over this abhorrent appointment or simply sit on their hands looking the other way?

"It's little wonder that people in Scotland are looking on in disgust at the out of touch Westminster system - with poll after poll showing people in Scotland looking to independence for a better, progressive and outward looking future."

Abbott, an ex-leader of the Liberal Party, was prime minister in Australia for two years from 2013-15.

Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: "The new Board of Trade will play an important role in helping Britain make the case for free and fair trade across the UK and around the world.

"At a time of increased protectionism and global insecurity, it's vital that the UK is a strong voice for open markets and that we play a meaningful role in reshaping global trading rules alongside like-minded countries.

"The new board will help us do that, bringing together a diverse group of people who share Britain's belief in free enterprise, democracy, and high standards and rules-based trade."