Of 11 Justice Committee members, seven backed the general principles of the Railway Policing Bill, with four dissenting.

They pointed out that BTP had proposed three options for devolving railway policing, noting concerns about the Scottish government's decision to only consult on one option - the option the force had outlined as "the most complex route".

Committee convener Margaret Mitchell, who was among those against the bill, said members had heard "a variety of opinions about the best approach for railway policing".

She said: "The committee did not arrive at a unanimous position on the bill's general principles, with some members backing an alternative approach.

"The committee report made a number of clear recommendations to ensure that the same level of service that the travelling public currently enjoys is maintained.

"These include the recommendations that strong procedures should be in place to manage cross-border issues, such as the powers of officers to carry out their duties as they travel between Scotland and England, and also that officers must be clear on operational issues such as the use of Tasers and the powers of arrest.

"All members agree that protecting the travelling public is of the utmost importance."

Green MSP John Finnie says Oliver Mundell's speech was shocking.

Mr Finnie says this is a debating chamber and the idea is to debate, referring to Mr Mundell's refusal to take an intervention.

He offers Mr Mundell the opportunity to "apologise to the police officers he slighted during his speech", but Mr Mundell declines.

Mr Finnie says no-one in their right mind would suggest a working model be changed.

The former senior police officer says his party's support for the Bill was on the condition of no detriment to staff.

The target date for integration of railway policing into Police Scotland is 1 April 2019.

The Justice Committee report noted there was "willingness to work collaboratively to meet" this "deadline", but said railway operators, unions, staff associations and passenger groups should be brought together as soon as possible "to ensure what any risks are identified and mitigated prior to integration".

Image source, PA

It also said the committee heard that the costs of railway policing could increase as a result of integration, but that "it had not yet been determined what these costs might be or who should pay them".

The report highlighted that agreement of terms, conditions, benefits and pensions of BTP staff and officers had not yet been reached, saying that "resolving this issue is critical to achieving a seamless transfer".

Members also said it was "imperative" that forces were clear about their roles and responsibilities policing cross-border trains.

Image source, BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE

Holyrood's Justice Committee backed the general principles of a bill to integrate railway policing north of the border into Police Scotland in April.

The Scottish government wants the national force to take over the role of the British Transport Police (BTP).

The majority of respondents to the committee opposed the integration, as did four MSPs, including the convener.

The Scottish government has long wanted to integrate railway policing services into the single national force, and tabled a bill to that end in December 2016.

Read more here.

Labour MSP Neil Bibby says, from the outset, his party has been clear that it supports the devolution of the British Transport Police but not the dissolution of the British Transport Police.

Mr Bibby says: "It is shocking that this government is ignoring the views of our police officers."

The Labour MSP says the BTP has consistently been found to be efficient and to carry the confidence of the travelling public.

"This is a big mistake that you are making," he says.

Police chiefs warned, in November, that integrating railway policing into Police Scotland would be "massively complicated".

A Railway Policing Bill would push forward devolution of law enforcement powers.

This would include the functions of the British Transport Police being taken over by Police Scotland.

Police bosses told the Justice Committee that a merger would be "complicated but not insurmountable".

Representatives from BTP, Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority, and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research took part in a round-table session with MSPs at the Scottish Parliament.

Absorbing transport policing into Scotland's single force has been a long-running goal for Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.

SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson says he was very disappointed to hear Oliver Mundell's speech saying the BTP were the only effective police division, as he says policing is very effective across Scotland.

Mr Stevenson says having a unified system post merger has a number of advantages.

To those speaking against the Bill he says: "You repair the roof of your house when the sun's out."

Labour MSP Claire Baker says this Bill could see a loss of expertise.

Ms Baker says to continue with this Bill would impact on the terms and conditions of staff.

She says there is no agreement taking place going forward.

The Labour MSP says government is determined to put legislation through parliament that cannot command consensus.

She says this is a Bill that Scottish Labour cannot support.

Labour MSP Claire Baker says her party do not agree with the direction of the Bill, however the amendments have improved it.

Ms Baker says: "The Scottish government have ignored concerns of staff and unions."

She asks the Scottish government not to pass this Bill.

The Labour MSP says her party is not saying there should be no change but it does not agree with the Scottish government's option.

Mr Mundelll says the Scottish Conservatives remain fundamentally opposed to the integration and he says the reckless way the SNP has bulldozed this legislation will put public safety at risk.

The Tory MSP urges members to vote this legislation down.

Mr Mundell says he is not taking interventions because the Scottish government has ignored the voices of criticism about this bill.

The Tory MSP says: "The list of those with concerns is almost as long as the Scottish government's list of excuses on policing matters."

He calls on the Scottish government to leave the British Transport Police intact.

Tory MSP Oliver Mundell says: "This is an ill-judged and ill-thought out idea."

Mr Mundell says it will seem absurd to many that the only division of police that is working well is being broken up.

The Tory MSP refuses interventions.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says from a sedentary position: "That is an appalling thing to say."

Mr Matheson is warned about this by the deputy presiding officer.

Mr Mundell then refuses an intervention from he transport minister.

Mr Yousaf urges members to support the Railway Policing Bill.

Mr Yousaf says the Bill will improve the accountability of railway policing in Scotland.

He says he is aware of the BTP Federation expressing some doubt about staffing guarantees.

Mr Yousaf says he remains absolutely committed to his triple-lock guarantee for staff.

The minister says he has given a clear assurance on terms and conditions, ensuring a no detriment basis.

Image source, PA

The Justice Committee backed the general principles of the Railway Policing (Scotland) Bill, which will integrate railway policing north of the border into Police Scotland.

The Scottish government wants the national force to take over the role of the British Transport Police (BTP).

The majority of respondents to the committee opposed the integration, as did four MSPs, including the convener.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says this parliament is now accountable for railway policing in Scotland.

Mr Yousaf says the primary objective is to maintain and enhance the high standards of safety for passengers and staff.

He says ACC Higgins has given assurances to staff.

Labour MSP Elaine Smith asks what will happen to the emergency intervention units.

Mr Yousaf says that will be an operational matter for the chief constable.