COLCHESTER MP Will Quince shared a platform with former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott as he took part in an international conference discussing issues including immigration and the refugee crisis.

Conservative Mr Quince was one of six UK delegates to attend the event in Israel alongside representatives from that country and from Australia.

Among the topics discussed were immigration, ISIS, the refugee crisis and climate change.

Delegates considered the impact of US President elect Donald Trump's foreign policy and how they might affect the mood in the Middle East and beyond.

Time was also devoted to considering how Britain's decision to leave the EU will impact on Britain, Europe and NATO.

Mr Quince, who also attended a leadership dialogue in China last month, said: "It was quite a strange experience to be sitting on a plane next to Lord Trimble who is a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

"I also got the chance to share a platform with Mr Abbott.

"There are huge opportunities for us in Britain to work together with Israel and Australia especially post-Brexit."