Almost 200 Britons are either dead or missing as a result of the Asian tsunamis - a toll of UK victims greater than the September 11th attacks on the United States.
The Foreign Secretary, Mr Jack Straw, said yesterday that 40 Britons had been confirmed dead while a further 159 remained unaccounted for and were "highly likely" to have perished.
Mr Straw rejected attacks on the British government's handling of the tsunami aftermath - and the decision by the Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, to remain on holiday. He said the government's aid effort was "exemplary" and said more money would be made available.
Ministers have faced mounting criticism of their handling of the relief effort with opposition MPs suggesting the public was quicker to react, donating millions to aid agencies within days.
The Liberal Democrat leader, Mr Charles Kennedy, yesterday questioned Mr Blair's refusal to cut short his holiday and said the government was playing "catch-up" with public opinion. Tory leader Mr Michael Howard has also said he would have returned home if he had been in the prime minister's position.
Mr Blair concluded his Christmas break yesterday and was back in London last night.
There was also further criticism yesterday of the help offered to relatives of British victims of the tsunami. Mr Alan Jones, whose daughter Charlotte (23), was on the island of Racha Yai, south of Phuket, said his college lecturer wife Elizabeth had been left feeling let down after travelling to Thailand.
Mr Jones (57), a management consultant from Petersfield, Hants, said: "We have had some help, but nothing from the British government at all and my wife is therefore very bitter. The number of people looking for loved ones is very high. And I find it disgusting that the British public have been able to show such generosity and the British government has not."
But Mr Straw urged people to judge the government on its actions. "The British government's aid record in respect of this disaster and worldwide is exemplary."
He said nothing more could have been done if Mr Blair had flown home early. "He has kept in the closest possible touch with [Deputy Prime Minister] John Prescott, [International Development Secretary] Hilary Benn and myself," he said.
Mr Straw said 43 police officers had been sent to Thailand to help identify victims. Some 113 family liaison officers have also been assigned.