Local MSP John Finnie, Scottish Greens, today won an important commitment during a discussion about the Railway Policing (Scotland) Bill. John Finnie, who was himself a serving police officer is a member of the cross party Justice Committee.

The Scottish Government Bill was introduced by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson MSP on 8 December 2016. It seeks to ” make provision about the arrangements for the Police Service of Scotland to police railways and railway property; and for connected purposes.” This is a service currently provided by the UK’s Transport Police.

John Finnie MSP, who is also the Justice Spokesperson for the Scottish Greens has  won a commitment for British Transport Police (BTP) Officers transferring to Police Scotland over their future terms and conditions.

John Finnie moved an amendment, “Limitation on redeployment of constables,” during Stage 2 of the Justice Committee’s consideration of the Railway Policing Bill, proposing that any BTP officer who transfers into Police Scotland would continue to work on railway policing duties unless they themselves chose to move.

John Finnie MSP, Scottish Green Party

John Finnie said:

“The amendment puts a previous verbal assurance from Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins onto a statutory footing and will provide a greater level of reassurance to officers who wish to continue their careers within railway policing.”

“I am grateful to Committee colleagues and indeed Transport Minister Humza Yousef for supporting this change.”

The Justice Committee was designated lead committee for the Bill and has been taking evidence on the implications of the changeover from the Transport Police to Police Scotland.

Reporter: Fiona Grahame