The RMT is calling on the government to reverse the cuts and scrap planned further cuts to the British Transport Police (BTP) following last Saturday’s mass stabbing on a London-bound London North Eastern Railway train.

The train was brought to an emergency unscheduled stop at Huntington in Cambridgeshire, with nine passengers and a member of train crew needing hospital treatment.

Since the start of 2025, 522 posts within the British Transport Police have been cut, leading the Chief Constable to write a letter to the British Transport Police Authority stating that the BTP is “operating at the limits of safe headcount reduction.”

Figures from data shown at a BTPA meeting on October 9th show that the overall rise in crime on the UK rail network increased by 5.4% compared to 2024. Other figures show violent offences on trains are up by 14%, offences towards women and girls are up 12% and antisocial behaviour is up 9%.

Reviewing new figures, the RMT highlights that there has been an 11% in full-time equivalent (FTE) BTP officers in the last year, and when compared to numbers relating to 2009/2010, the number of (FTE) BTP staff has dropped by one third.

To return to the highest levels of railway policing, the RMT predict that 1,000 extra officers are needed to ensure that the British transport police remain a constant presence at stations and onboard trains.

The rail union is strongly urging the Chancellor to make funding available in the Autumn budget to restore a strong BTP workforce to protect and rebuild confidence for both staff and passengers who work and travel on the railways across the UK.

“The horrific mass stabbing on board a train diverted to Huntingdon station has shocked the whole country and underlines why safety and security for rail workers and passengers must be the top priority.

“We need a properly resourced British Transport Police and a visible presence of officers on stations and trains to reassure passengers and protect staff all year round.

“The BTP has seen officer numbers fall by almost a third since 2009, at the same time as violent crime and antisocial behaviour have risen sharply on the rail network.

“The Chancellor should use the Budget to make sure the funds are there to rebuild BTP strength and deliver the safe, secure rail network that our members and wider public deserves.”

RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey