Funding decision leaves British Transport Police facing job reductions, says RMT

RMT has strongly criticised today’s decision by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) to approve a three-year funding package, warning that the plan will lead to frontline reductions and a less secure railway.

During the meeting, BTP highlighted that the settlement for the third year leaves a £2 million shortfall in its budget, potentially requiring staff cuts concentrated in frontline roles.

Earlier this year, visible evening patrols at Kings Cross and St Pancras demonstrated the impact of sufficient staffing, with staff assaults falling by 59%, violent incidents by 21%, public-order problems by 41%, and shoplifting by 25% during a three-week period in autumn 2025.

Rail unions, alongside the TUC, had written to Authority members prior to the meeting, warning that further reductions in staffing would be unacceptable.

While the first two years of the funding settlement allowed BTP to recruit following the loss of over 500 posts this year, the third-year cut threatens to reverse these gains.

Eddie Dempsey, RMT General Secretary, said:

“The decision today was the responsibility of ministers and builds in cuts to jobs as part of the funding package, putting the safety of rail workers and passengers at risk. You cannot rebuild police numbers in years one and two only to slash them again in year three. It is very reckless and undermines safety. By 2028/29, Great British Railways will be up and running and delivering savings through nationalisation. RMT is calling on the Secretary of State to urgently review the 2028/29 settlement so BTP can plan with certainty and keep a visible police presence on the network as crime continues to rise. We call on the British Transport Police Authority to guarantee no headcount cuts.”

Image: British Transport Police