For those overseas stuck waiting for renewal passports and urgent travel coming up soon:
Do note that the local Uk High Commission/Embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Document within 2 to 3 working days. But it is for a specified journey only and you have to pay for it, albeit you can claim a refund if you are applying because your renewal has taken longer then HMSO promised ten weeks.
Onw warning fo those planning a trip to USA . The ETD comes without a chip, so USA wont issue an ESTA for the UK ETD you get, and then you have to apply for a US Visa at your local US Embassy and the shambles there are worse than what we are facing with HMPO- some Us consulates have 700+ days wait time for a visa!!