British Transport Police warned cuts will endanger railway staff

LocalPolitics
16 Aug 2025 • 5:42 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • The RMT union has warned that proposed cuts to the British Transport Police (BTP) would seriously endanger the safety of railway staff.
  • The BTP is reportedly facing an £8.5 million funding shortfall this year, potentially leading to the closure of 13 police stations and the loss of hundreds of posts.
  • The union argues that these cuts would leave frontline rail staff exposed to rising levels of violence, harassment, and anti-social behaviour.
  • RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey stated that the cuts are both "outrageous and dangerous," especially given a reported sharp rise in crime across the network.
  • The RMT has launched a campaign to demand better protection for rail workers and safer travel for passengers.