I’m desperate after being without a UK passport for 12 weeks

For many, the only way to get a vital passport was to visit the Passport Office in person. Photograph: Michael Melia/Alamy

I am a 54-year-old Spaniard who recently became a naturalised British citizen after 25 years living in England. In March I applied for my first British passport.

I was required to send my Spanish passport and naturalisation certificate as supporting documentation. When I applied on 21 March there was an average processing time of five to six weeks and a maximum wait of 10 weeks.