RMT Condemns Transport Police Merger

Rail union RMT is condemning proposals to shut down the British Transport Police and merge it into Police Scotland.

Rail union RMT is condemning proposals to shut down the British Transport Police and merge it into Police Scotland.
 
It comes after Michael Matheson, the SNP Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice, has moved to shut down the British Transport Police and merge it into Police Scotland when functions are devolved.
 
The move would mean that the British Transport Police (BTP) will no longer operate as a separate force in Scotland, which the RMT fears would mean losing specialist skills and a unique identity.
  
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:
 
“It is sheer arrogance on the part of the SNP Government that they are ignoring the advice of the BTP and those who work in the railway industry and are forging ahead with plans to merge this important and distinctive policing operation into the wider force.
 
“Skills and expertise in dealing with the specialist policing needs on the railways would be lost for ever and would result in an inferior policing service which would impact on staff and passengers alike. RMT stands alongside our sister rail unions in opposing these ill-conceived and dangerous plans.”