Steve, it's possible to renew a UK passport up to 9 months before the expiry date, still valid for the full 10 years ( + up to 9 months ). Mine was due to expire 11 January 2012, so I replaced it in April ( dated April 11 2011 ) and the new biometric / e-passport ( containing an electronic chip ) is valid until 11 January 2022. You ( or Emma ) are going to have to replace it ( currently £ 77.50 ) anyway, so you might as well do that in September and have peace of mind.
