A Herefordshire MP has offered to help constituents faced with delays in getting new passports.

The MP for North Herefordshire Sir Bill Wiggin said he had received “an increasing number of emails” from concerned constituents, some having missed important family events or long-awaited holidays.

Since April last year, the Passport Office has warned it can take up to 10 weeks to process a passport application, compared with the previous time of three weeks.

“While I am able to speak to the Home Office directly to request updates on the progress of passport applications, they will not expedite these applications until 10 weeks have already passed,” Sir Bill explained.

He suggested using the Passport Office’s premium service, which for an additional charge, can turn around applications in less than a week, as “the only way to ensure you receive your new passport in under 10 weeks”.

According to the UK Parliament website, there has been a surge in demand for new or replacement passports following the relaxation of Covid travel restrictions.

Issues with the courier service have meant some applicants having to wait “weeks more” for delivery.