In a statement delivered on the steps of his Belgravia offices, the former MI6 agent said: "I'm really pleased to be back here working again at the Orbis's offices in London today.

"I'm now going to be focusing my efforts on supporting the broader interests of our company here.

"I'd like to say a warm thank you to everyone who sent me kind messages and support over the last few weeks.

"Just to add, I won't be making any further statements or comments at this time."

Mr Steele refused to answer any further questions.

The contents of his dossier became public on January 10 when the entire 35-page file was published by BuzzFeed.