Bishop heads to UK and Europe

Defence and trade ties will be Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's main focus during visits to the United Kingdom and Europe this week, as the fall out of Britain's exit from the European Union continues.

Defence Minister Marise Payne and Ms Bishop will meet their British counterparts Boris Johnson and Michael Fallon in London.

"This is a well timed opportunity for Australia to deepen bilateral cooperation as the UK begins to work through the challenge of Brexit," she said in a statement, adding the pair would also meet separately with German defence and foreign ministers to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation.

Along with Trade Minister Steve Ciobo, Ms Bishop will address the European Parliament to build momentum on a free-trade pact between Australia and the EU.