Hitchin and Harpenden’s Bim Afolami is among MPs from across the political spectrum who have signed a joint letter to the Transport Secretary ahead of talks tonight.

Conservative MP Mr Afolami was among 20 MPs representing constituents from Herts, Beds, London, and Sussex to sign last night’s letter to Chris Grayling.

The letter, signed by Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green MPs, highlights the high level of disruption caused to train users – and calls for clarity on “how the situation was allowed to get to this point, what the department is doing right now to rectify this situation and what plans the government has in the longer term to resolve the many significant issues with this franchise’.

According to the MPs’ letter, the “abject failure of Govia Thameslink Railway to deliver a decent service resulted in 455 cancelled or delayed services in just one day”.

Major disruptions began when the new timetable was implemented, with hopes to offer services south across London from Herts, Beds and Cambs, longer trains with a larger capacity, and Royston-to-Brighton through service.

Mr Afolami tweeted: “With my cross-party colleagues in parliament, I have signed this very important letter to Chris Grayling demanding answers to the chaos we have seen on Govia Thameslink’s network. “

Govia and Network Rail have since apologised to customers and stated they are currently working on plans to reduce disruption – but say it will take more time to significantly improve services.