The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has defended itself against criticism of its handling of the crisis in Egypt.
The FCO has faced attacks from some British travellers caught up in the fallout from anti-government demonstrations in the country since the start of protests three weeks ago.
Middle East and North Africa minister Alistair Burt said: “In order to deal with the situation, the FCO responded to developing events by drawing on well-established and tested contingency plans.
“This included using the FCO’s crisis centre to pull together a team to co-ordinate our response.”
The Foreign Office said its primary concern throughout the political unrest in Egypt has been the safety of the approximately 30,000 British nationals who were in the country.
Speaking about the FCO travel advice for Egypt, Burt said: “The situation in Egypt remains fluid, and we still advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez.
“The situation in the Red Sea resorts remains calm, and our travel advice for that area remains unchanged.
“We will keep this under regular review. The safety and security of British nationals remains at the forefront of our minds.”
Action taken by the FCO has included flying 237 people fly home on two specially chartered aircraft and helping more than 2,000 Britons leave Cairo.
There have been more than 50 additional staff deployed to Egypt to reinforce embassy employees. Four rapid deployment teams were also sent from London to Egypt and mobilised other staff from around the region.
“This enabled us to have a strong presence in all major population centres,” the FCO said.
A further 58 staff were employed to help more than 6,000 people who called the FCO’s dedicated 24 hour Egypt hotline.