Violence Against Women and Girls on Trains

Debate between Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill and Lord Carlile of Berriew

Monday 24th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab)]

The British Transport Police is governed by the British Transport Police Authority, which is independent. There are no statutory powers that I or the Government have to intervene. Nevertheless, the authority decided that the budgetary increase for 2025-26 would be 5.9%, which is significant. Ten days ago, I met the authority and the British Transport Police—including the chief constable—along with train operators, Network Rail and Transport for London to ensure that the BTP’s independent operational plans maximise the best use of the budget in those circumstances and, in particular, contribute to reducing violence against women and girls.

[Lord Carlile of Berriew (CB)]

My Lords, the slogan “See it. Say it. Sorted.” works best when, you having seen it and said it, there is someone qualified on the train to sort it. Does the Minister agree that there should be an increase—indeed, a guarantee—of people who are properly trained, on every train, so that there is a reduction in crime?

[Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab)]

The opportunity for railway travellers to report crime through the 61016 phone number is not limited to what is happening on the train but includes what travellers see from the time they enter the network to the time they leave it. Many trains have one such person or more on them. Equally, in the case of trains that do not generally stop frequently, there is the opportunity of summoning police or other aid to the train.