Transport police to be reviewed

The BTP played a major role after the London bombings

The role of the British Transport Police (BTP) is to be reviewed by the government, it has been announced.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said he would look at whether the BTP's work would be better carried out by other bodies, such as local police.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow welcomed the review, saying the BTP had failed to protect vulnerable staff.

But the BTP Federation said it was worried that breaking up the force would harm the public.

Mr Darling said the review aimed to ensure policing of the railways is fit for the 21st century.

It follows Home Secretary Charles Clarke's review of the 43 English and Welsh police forces.

Staff assaults

Mr Darling said: "My review will examine the functions of the British Transport Police and whether some or all of these are best carried out by a national force, regional forces or, indeed, by the industry itself.

"This review is aimed at ensuring that policing of the railways is fit for the 21st century.

"The Government remains committed to the principle that the costs of policing the railway should remain largely funded by the industry itself."

RMT general secretary Bob Crow described the review as an opportunity to find new ways to tackle violent behaviour on the rail network.

"The fact of the matter is that the BTP have failed to protect vulnerable staff from assaults and it is about time this issue was taken seriously and dealt with," he said.

But Roger Randall, general secretary of the British Transport Police Federation, said: "We are concerned that it would be broken up and I think [if this happened] the general public would lose out because of the loss of expertise," he said.

Industry funded

He added he was hopeful for a positive review that would see the force continue in greater numbers.

"We've had several reviews in the past few years that have recommended the BTP continues.

"We hope this review will keep BTP unified and hopefully expanded," Mr Randall said.

The BTP is the national police force for the railways throughout England, Scotland and Wales, and employs around 2,500 officers.

It also polices the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, Croydon Tramlink and Midland Metro.

It played a major role in policing the London Underground following the July 7 bombings.

It is funded by the rail industry - primarily Network Rail, Transport for London and the train operating companies.

The British Transport Police Authority oversees the BTP and sets its budget.