The prime minister has threatened to privatise the UK’s passport office if it does not "start delivering better value for money", according to reports in the national press.
During a cabinet meeting, Boris Johnson reportedly told ministers the high cost of services was affecting families ahead of the summer holidays.
Johnson is expected to call bosses from HM Passport Office for urgent talks next week.
It comes after the UK’s passport office reported record demand for renewals, with more than five million people delayed applying for a passport during the pandemic.
The BBC, quoting "a government source", said many families were being forced to pay for premium services because of delays in the system, and travellers have reported needing to cancel holidays.
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