LONDON (AP) — Britain's trade minister says U.K. businesses generally are too lazy to export goods around the world.

In a speech to pro-free market group Conservative Way Forward, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said some businesspeople would rather "play golf on a Friday afternoon" than fulfill their "duty" to export.

Fox is in charge of forging new international economic links as Britain prepares to leave the European Union.

His comments were recorded by the Times of London, which published them Saturday.

"We have become too lazy, and too fat on our successes in previous generations," Fox said.

Prime Minister Theresa May's office said Fox was expressing private views.

Richard Reed, co-founder of smoothie company Innocent drinks said Fox should focus on Britain's post-EU future, "rather than turning around and trash-talking the country."