UK Passport Renewals for Italian Residents.

I do not think I would be able to reach the UK border? I do not think they would allow me to board the plane, train, boat or coach in Italy without a valid current passport and appropriate visa (if needed by the destination country).  The carrier, I think,will be liable to take me back if I did not have the appropriate documents.  I do not think I will be able to get passed the check-in or immigration police or authorities, let alone board the plane, train, boat or coach.   The Italian identity card that I got on obtaining Italian residency is only valid within Italy!By the way, if you are a British Citizen applying in Italy for a visa to enter India, I was told in March 2009, by the Indian Embassy that I needed a letter of introduction from the British Embassy to get it.  The British Consulate in Florence confirmed this and said they (the Bristish Government) had made representations to the Indian Government.  I wonder if the position has changed?

The last time that I returned to England, I entered with a passport that had the plastic covering the photograph detached. I was allowed in with no comment. On trying to get out two days later however, I was not allowed to use it for that reason. they explained that I had to be allowed in as a UK citizen. The country is mad! Anyway I was told to use my italian identity card. That got me out of Stansted but at Pescara, no no no. I had 3 passport control bods all to myself, refusing to allow me into Italy on the identity card. When they saw my passport they had a good laugh whilst passing it around. They then demanded my Permesso, luckily I had it with me. They very reluctantly let me in. I have not tried to get out of here since.