The result is that people are being advised to allow up to ten weeks when applying for their passport. I am doing all I can to reduce that wait. We are also responding to individual cases but unfortunately the case remains that there will be significant delays in the process.

The Government and specifically the Home Office frankly should have seen this coming. I support any measures they take including increasing resources in order to resolve this problem. In the meantime I would advise people to apply as soon as possible to renew their passport or for a new application particularly as the peak summer season approaches.

If you need one, I would advise people to apply as soon as possible to ensure your passport arrives in time for the peak summer season.