BTP-Police Scotland merger unlikely following new agreement

BTP-Police Scotland merger unlikely following new agreement

Humza Yousaf

Scottish government ministers have agreed a plan that makes the likelihood of a merger between British Transport Police and Police Scotland even more remote.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said last year that the laws to enable to the merger may never be enacted if an alternative proposal were agreed.

But The Times has now learned that a new agreement will include Scottish oversight of railway officers while the forces remain separate.

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said: “The demise of the poorly thought through all-out merger is inevitable. But the SNP needs to take ownership of its newest mistake.

“Their botched merger has left BTP officers and staff in limbo. It has also wasted two years of precious police time. The only reason they did this in the first place was to take British out the title.

“The Justice Secretary must now make it explicitly clear that the original plan is off the table so officers have more certainty and can get on with establishing more viable options.”

Share icon
Share this article: