Fife MSP calls for halt to plans for British Transport Police merger

A Fife MSP has called for a halt to Government plans to merge the British Transport Police (BTP) with Police Scotland.

The demand from Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker, who is also Scottish Labour’s justice spokesperson, comes after it emerged there is still no clear idea how much the move will cost.

The Scottish Police Authority has also admitted the merger will not be possible without outsourcing significant amounts of work to outside consultancies.

The plan has already drawn much criticism and opposition, including from BTP officers and trade unions.

The transport union TSSA recently lobbied parliament and handed in a petition with 11,500 signatures against the move.

Mrs Baker said: “Months after the merger was railroaded through parliament, the SNP and Police Scotland still have no idea how much it is all going to cost.

“The Government must listen to workers and the industry and halt this unpopular and unnecessary merger.

“Police budgets should be spent keeping us safe and helping specialists police officers. They should not be paying outside agencies for an organisational change that is neither wanted nor needed.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told ministers the merger would improve accountability, ensure the transport police have access to Police Scotland’s wider range of resources and “future proof” the transport police’s governance.

She added: “We will take forward the proposals sensibly and responsibly and we will continue to work with those employed in the BTP to ensure that we take account of all their concerns as we go forward.”