CARDIFF South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty is calling for urgent action to tackle serious delays at the Passport Office, which are leaving people unable to travel.

The matter was raised in the House of Commons last week, and after receiving numerous calls for assistance from constituents, Stephen is calling on the government to take urgent action.

The problem is affecting all applications, but is particularly bad for British citizens applying from abroad due to a change in the way these applications are handled.

Stephen said: “The government needs to get an urgent grip on this problem. As we approach the peak summer holiday period, it is unacceptable for people to be waiting so long. Those who have contacted me have seen their travel plans, or those of their family living abroad, left in disarray.

“I have seen a significant increase in cases in the last few weeks, and will be writing to ministers and attending a key debate in Parliament on this issue on Tuesday.”

Stephen advised residents who intend making passport applications to be aware of the current delays, and urged those experiencing problems to contact his office by emailing stephen.doughty.mp@parliament.uk