In response, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are clear there is absolutely no legitimate basis to prevent civilians from travelling to safety.

"We are monitoring the situation with GardaWorld closely and remain in contact with them to provide any required assistance."

Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "To leave over a hundred guards at the British Embassy in Kabul without protection is a shameful betrayal of brave Afghans who have risked their lives serving alongside our representatives in Afghanistan.

"Ministers should be ashamed. They are not living up to our obligations as a country and are trashing Britain's reputation around the world.