19.12.14
Devolving functions of the BTP to Scotland?
During the final day’s business of Parliament before the Christmas recess, Labour’s Jim Fitzpatrick asked the leader of the House, William Hague, about proposals to “break up” the British Transport Police (BTP) as part of the Smith Commission.
The transport section of the Smith Commission report says: “The functions of the BTP in Scotland will be a devolved matter.”
Fitzpatrick, the Labour MP for Poplar and Limehouse, stated that this move was “surprising” as the BTP have been commended for the “safety and security they provide on our transport networks, especially our rail network”.
He asked Hague: “Will the detailed proposals for that break-up come forward as part of the Smith Commission proposals, or will there be a separate statement from the sponsoring Department, the Department for Transport, because I know that many Members will be interested in looking at that very carefully?”
Hague said he would refer the comments to the DfT and the Scotland Office, but added where legislation is needed it will be brought forward in draft form by 25 January.
“I think that the best time to discuss all the implications, including the one he raises, is at that time, as implementation of the recommendations is being prepared,” he said.
But can we really see the functions of the BTP being devolved to Scotland, would it make sense?
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