Blairs' trip to Egypt is chance to build bridges with Arabs

Tony Blair attempted to put a turbulent month behind him as he flew out to Egypt with his family for a holiday yesterday.

The Prime Minister's trip to Sharm el-Sheikh last Christmas provoked controversy after it emerged that the Egyptian government had picked up some of the bill.

Downing Street refused to discuss details of the Blairs' return visit to the Red Sea resort last night. But a spokeswoman added: "They have covered the costs of the flight and the accommodation."

Mr Blair is likely to use the visit as a chance to build bridges with moderate Arab opinion in the run-up to any attack on Iraq. The Egyptians will also seize on the trip as further proof that the region is safe for Western holidaymakers despite the tension in the Middle East.

John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, is in charge until Mr Blair returns.

Last year, the family and their nanny flew out on Boxing Day for a six-day stay in two private Egyptian government villas at the New Tower Hotel at Sharm el-Sheikh.

Egypt also paid for return flights from Cairo to the resort, where elaborate security precautions were put in place.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister had donated the value of the accommodation and flights to a charity chosen by the Egyptian government. He was also obliged to record the hospitality in the Register of Members' Interests.

Mr Blair's break in Egypt last year had been kept a secret by the Government until he and his wife were spotted touring the pyramids at Giza.

This time, buffeted by the "Cheriegate" furore, Downing Street appears to have bent over backwards to avoid a repeat of the controversy.