Rail unions are advocating for increased protections for staff and passengers following a mass stabbing incident on an LNER train in Cambridgeshire. This event has highlighted concerns regarding safety in the transport sector, particularly in light of recent budget cuts that have affected police presence and rail staffing levels.
Details regarding the incident are still emerging. However, reports indicate that the actions of crew members on the train were significant in mitigating casualties. A LNER staff member sustained life-threatening injuries while attempting to intervene with the attacker. Authorities from the British Transport Police acknowledged the crew member’s actions, characterizing them as heroic as they likely saved many lives.
Unions, including the RMT and TSSA, have expressed support for the rail staff involved and are urging swift action. The RMT’s general secretary stated his intention to seek urgent meetings with government officials and railway employers to reinforce support and enhance security procedures. Additionally, the TSSA called for an immediate review of security measures and support for affected workers.
Despite the confined environment of a train potentially increasing risks, instances of serious violence on railways are rare. The recent attack brought to mind a 2019 incident where a passenger was killed on a train in Surrey, notable for its randomness. In Britain, the high-level security typically seen in airports is implemented only in the Eurostar service, leaving many trains without similar protections.
The prospects of enhanced security measures, like metal detectors, pose challenges, including potential delays and the necessity for significant financial investment. A former chief constable of British Transport Police expressed skepticism regarding such measures but highlighted the need for investments in technologies like facial recognition and increased personnel.
Additionally, recorded assaults on the railways have increased, reaching an annual high of over 10,000 incidents, though a majority of these cases involve harassment rather than severe violence. Nonetheless, there is a pervasive concern among rail staff about the potential for attacks. A recent report indicated that nearly 2,800 railway workers had experienced injuries or trauma from assaults in the previous year, emphasizing the importance of adequate staffing for safety.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/02/rail-unions-call-for-more-protection-for-staff-travellers-cambridgeshire-train-stabbings