Might be a long shot but have you tried telephoning your MP? Mine is particularly good and a telephone call on your behalf can sometimes work wonders. I had a problem with my girlfriends passport issue and it was sorted v.quickly after she (my MP) intervened.
I had little sympathy initially but as this was a trip pre - planned with a pal and you suffered delays that puts a slightly different light on it all.
Good luck.
[ 23 August 2001: Message edited by: M.Mouse ]