Policing rethink

After a growing public outcry the Justice Minister has decided to postpone the merger of British Transport Police in Scotland with Police Scotland.

Could this be the first sign that the Justice Minister and the Scottish Government have the jitters over their plans for policing the rail network? Somehow, I doubt it.

Previously the Scottish Government have shown that they are intransigent and that, for them, the only thing that matters is dogma. It doesn’t matter that the public do not want this, the police officers in both forces affected do not want it, there is no operational reason whatever for it and it is highly likely that if it happens, public safety will be diminished.

It would be nice to think that the Justice Minister would now take this breathing space and use it to develop a business case which examines both the risks and potential benefits of such a merger while consulting with all stakeholders which must include the travelling public. I will not be holding my breath! This Scottish Government has on too many occasions ignored well argued opposition to many of its politically-driven policies and the likelihood that they will listen this time is very small.

That said, there is a real opportunity should the justice Minister decide to take it, to mount a wholesale review of policing in Scotland.

The SPA is currently seeking new members, the hunt is on for a new Chief Constable, why not put all of this on hold, mount a speedy review and seek a consensus? It is not too late for some common sense to prevail.

LESLIE TURNBULL Edderston Road, Peebles