Calls for armed transport police on the UK's railway network

British Transport Police ask for 1968 Firearms Act to be amended

Calls have been made by the British Transport Police (BTP) for armed transport police to be able to patrol the UK's railway network, the BBC has reported

BTP Chief Constable Andrew Trotter has asked the government to amend the 1968 Firearms Act to allow the move, and told ministers that the terror security threat is likely to remain at the 'severe' level until the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

Transport officers currently need to call in the local constabulary if an armed operation is needed.

Should the changes go ahead, BTP would have the same powers to carry guns as the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

A BTP spokesman said: "The government has said that its number one priority is the protection of its citizens."

"We are continually reviewing how we go about our work to prevent terrorist attacks and are discussing a range of security options around crowded places. These include railway stations and the Underground."

Further information:
BBC