s cancelled a holiday to Thailand at Christmas over concerns that it would be seen as extravagant as the country faces a raft of spending cuts.

Cameron and his wife Samantha will instead stay at home for Christmas.

According to reports, the Camerons were due to stay at a resort in Phuket where rooms cost at least £1,000 a night. However, Downing Street advisers were reportedly concerned that the trip was inappropriate during the economic downturn.

The prime minister also faced pressure from campaigners who said visiting Thailand would suggest that Cameron supports the recent crackdowns on pro-democracy demonstrators.

The break would have been the first long-haul holiday for the Camerons since the birth of their daughter Florence