The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) and train drivers’ union Aslef have voiced their opposition to the Scottish government’s plans to replace the British Transport Police (BTP) across its transport network with Police Scotland officers.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash described the proposed changes as “ill-conceived and dangerous plans”.

The devolution of transport policing was proposed as part of the Smith Commission, and has been included as part of Westminster’s draft devolution deals. However, the BTP had hoped that its officers would continue their duties under the supervision of the Scottish government. The precise details of a new arrangement have not been confirmed.
Despite the opposition, a Scottish government spokeswoman said: “Over the course of 2015, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders including the BTP, the BTP Authority, the BTP Federation and the rail industry on how this can be most effectively achieved within our national Police Service.”