The so-called unreliability of train services in Southend was joked about during a debate in Parliament – about Scottish Independence.

Chris Stephens MP for Glasgow South West, made the reference when jokingly claiming the matter of independence should be decided by way of penalty shoot-out.

After he noted that football had been raised by several MPs during a Commons debate, Mr Stephens went on to praise Scotland for reaching Euro 2020 – before then likening England’s penalty shootout record to train services in Southend.

Mr Stephens, told the Commons: “There are constitutional debates and some people seem to suggest there is deadlock between those who support Scottish independence and those who don’t – and the fact the Government seems unwilling to grant us a referendum.

“Well, I have an alternative idea: if they’re not willing to give us a referendum, perhaps they could give us a penalty shoot-out to decide the issue.

“We know Scotland’s record at penalty shoot-outs is rather good – we managed to qualify for the Euros winning a penalty shoot-out – and there’s England’s record, which is perhaps somewhat different.

“Let’s not sugar-coat it – it’s as poor as the trains going to and from Southend that we regularly hear from (Sir David Amess, Conservative MP for Southend West).”

There was major disruption to train services between Southend and London on Wednesday after a person had been hit by a train.

C2c issued an apology to passengers after it was forced to cancel or delay 96 services throughout the evening.

Sir David Amess has previously held meetings with train bosses to voice concerns raised by constituents about delays on the Southend to London line.