Easy to criticise and be cynical, less easy to offer praise....so let me do that. I have just replaced my full passport - the process was easy and they turned around the transaction in 2 days, sending me a text telling me that the new passport was ready for collection. It wouldnt have happened THAT quickly in the UK and it certainly wont under the new "send the application to Dusseldorf" rules that come into effect next week- but for now, thanks British Embassy - job well done.