MSPs POLICE MERGER MUST BE STOPPED
Politicians have demanded a police merger is put on hold after Scotland’s top cop stood aside over fresh bullying claims.
Opposition parties united in calling for the planned merger of crisis-hit Police Scotland and the British Transport Police to be delayed while the force have no chief constable. Phil Gormley took “special leave” from his post after a third bullying allegation – the latest from assistant chief constable Malcolm Graham.
Gormley’s deputy Iain Livingstone has taken over but is due to retire later this year.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s police watchdogs are also in turmoil. Chairman Andrew Flanagan is leaving after being accused of bullying ex-board member Moi Ali and presiding over a culture of secrecy.
Last week, a leaked report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland said there was no detailed business case for the merger.
Liam Kerr, Scottish Tory justice spokesman, said: “Even before the latest crisis, there were major question marks over why the takeover of BTP was taking place.”
Scottish Lib Dems’ Liam McArthur said: “It would be irresponsible to allow a merger to proceed.”
The Scottish Government said: “Integrating the BTP into Police Scotland will provide a single command structure for policing when it comes into force in 2019.”