You will have probably seen the statement that I asked David Scorey, Deputy Managing Director Southern and Dave Ward, Network Rail Route Managing Director South East, to put out following the shambolic service on the East Grinstead line today. There was a serious problem and it was dealt with, but I am disappointed, and I have told them, that they failed to keep their passengers much better informed so that they could know the nature of the problem and some idea of what might happen.

I have made these points very strongly to them.

The fact remains that the service is nowhere near good enough and must improve.

Best wishes.

Nicholas Soames