LEGISLATION to merge railway policing in Scotland with the national force will be debated by MSPs at Holyrood today.
The Railways Policing (Scotland) Bill would integrate the current force overseeing Scotland’s railways – British Transport Police (BTP) – with Police Scotland.
Transport workers’ union RMT warned those backing the Bill are putting rail passengers and workers at an increased safety risk, while Labour plans to vote against it and has called for it to be scrapped, saying it could lead to railway strikes.
Transport minister Humza Yousaf said that by integrating the service it would be “enhanced”.
He added: “The Scottish Government welcomes the Justice Committee’s support for our plans to integrate the British Transport Police in Scotland into Police Scotland, which will ensure that railway policing in Scotland is accountable, through the Chief Constable and the SPA, to the people of Scotland.
“Alongside Police Scotland, we have made clear that specialist railway policing expertise and capacity will be maintained and protected within the broader structure of Police Scotland, with improved access to wider support facilities and specialist equipment, providing an enhanced service provision to both the rail industry and the travelling public. Integration of the 280 British Transport Police officers into Police Scotland will also provide a more effective approach to infrastructure policing in Scotland, something which the committee has also recognised.
“The Scottish Government remains committed to providing a ‘triple-lock guarantee’ that secures the jobs, pay and pension conditions of railway policing officers and staff in Scotland and have updated the Justice Committee on this and other points raised in their recommendations. I look forward to today’s debate and expect it to be a further step towards creating a more effective, joined-up police service on our railways.”
RMT general secretary Mick Cash called on MSPs to oppose the Bill, claiming it will increase the risk to the safety of rail passengers and workers.
He said rail workers, rail employers and the police federation were opposed to the loss of the BTP.
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