Advocating for Safety: TSSA Reps Engage MPs on BTP Funding Issues
Hear from the newly elected BTP branch chair, Jack Leonard, about his experience meeting with MPs to advocate for better protection and safety on our railways.
On Tuesday 21 October 2025, my fellow TSSA reps for British Transport Police (BTP) and I, with the generous support of Martin Rhodes, Labour MP for Glasgow North, hosted a ‘Protect our Railways’ drop-in session at Portcullis House, Westminster. This was part of TSSA’s campaign calling for a fair funding settlement for BTP.
The drop-in was an opportunity for MPs to talk directly with TSSA reps, learn about the effects of recent funding cuts on the service, and hear some of the solutions. Attendees included TSSA reps for BTP, me, Karen Mackenzie, Sam McCully, and Leroy Keiler, alongside TSSA staff members Muireann Montague and Charlotte Gerada.
Over the course of the morning, MPs and their staff engaged with us to hear first-hand how under-resourcing is affecting the key roles that police staff carry out to support frontline officers on the rail network. Key concerns raised included the closure of BTP stations, job losses, and the lack of police coverage between Preston and Scotland. We also highlighted rising crime rates, particularly violent and sexual offences and the operational strain caused by longer response times and reduced visibility. We had a chance to explain their daily struggle, from resourcing high risk football games to getting the right technology out to officers to help them in their line of duty.
There was great interest in our insights. The session provided a vital opportunity to share lived experiences and reinforce the importance of sustained investment in BTP to ensure passenger safety and network efficiency.
We’ve asked the MPs who attended, where able, to sign EDM 1548 ‘Funding for British Transport Police’, and make interventions, where appropriate, during the upcoming budget debate.
We’d like to thank all those who attended. Your support on this pressing issue is very much appreciated.
Learn more about how you can support our campaign here.
