Opening the debate, Mr Hague told MPs that, far from shrinking, the FCO's presence overseas would be bolstered by "up to 11 new British embassies and eight new consulates for trade offices" by 2015.

BBC: Alexander lambasts 'imperial delusion' of coalition

His contribution to the Commons discussion on changes to safeguard the funding of British embassies - that the policy of the previous Labour Government (of which he was a leading member) was "mad" - suggested that he will be offering up some pretty candid thoughts in future.

BBC: A Year On Part 2: The old lags flourishing in Commons

Just south of Tahrir Square, Garden City is a leafy, residential area on the east bank of the Nile that is home to the British and American embassies, luxury hotels and grand villas.

BBC: Living in: Great cities for history and ancient ruins

MADRID, Spain (CNN) -- Spanish police vehicles topped with machine guns were standing guard outside the American, British and Israeli embassies in the Spanish capital as security was beefed up ahead of the likely war in Iraq, CNN observed Wednesday.

CNN: Spain steps up embassy security

In London, British Foreign Secretary William Hague ordered his nation's embassies to review their security, saying this is usual procedure in such situations, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.

CNN: U.S. anticipates al Qaeda 'threats of retaliation'