UK's Fox faces criticism for claiming 'shared values' with Manila's Duterte

UK International Development Secretary Liam Fox came under fire on Wednesday for declaring Britain's "shared values" with controversial Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte.

In an article for local media, Fox, who is in the region drumming up post-Brexit trade deals, said the UK and Philippines have a "well-established and strong relationship built on a foundation of shared values and shared interests".

"My visit to the Manila is a chance to see and hear about the huge potential for strengthening relations between our countries," he wrote.

However, there were concerns about the sight of a UK Cabinet minister currying favour with Duterte, who has admitted killing criminals while he was mayor of Davao city and presided over a war on drugs that has resulted in 7,000 deaths.

Fox, a leading supporter of Britain leaving the European Union, claimed the trip to the region was "an important part of the UK’s outward looking approach to trade and investment"

"I look forward to meeting with governments and businesses to discuss how we can work more closely together to overcome barriers to trade and ensure globalization acts as a force for good, spreading prosperity."

"As the UK emerges from this period of change as a stronger, fairer, more united and more outward-looking nation, I hope this will lead to stronger relationships between the UK and our trading partners in South East Asia creating an era of even greater opportunity."