British Transport Police warned cuts will endanger railway staff

• 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.