I know how strongly people want Oyster extended to Potters Bar.

Since my election I have campaigned vigorously to deliver this for long suffering passengers. I have constantly lobbied and organised meetings with transport ministers, government officials and rail executives to keep up the pressure, including most recently last month with the Rail Minister, Andrew Jones MP.

I am therefore delighted to confirm that Oyster will be coming to Potters Bar this summer. This has been confirmed by the Department for Transport and Govia Thameslink, and an exact date will be following imminently.

I’m aware there’s been justified scepticism about when the system will actually be in place, and we have had bitterly disappointing setbacks in the past when previous deadlines were missed. However, after I secured the firm commitment in December that the system would be operational by the end of 2019, the end is finally in sight.

I will not let up the pressure though and will continue to press transport officials to make sure the delays we have endured for too long do not happen again.

Oyster will enable people, particularly students, young professionals and those working flexibly to travel into and around London with greater ease. This is also particularly important because an increasing number of people are choosing to use contactless cards and digital smart tickets to travel instead of relying on the traditional paper ticket.

It is long overdue, and I look forward to making my first journey soon.