Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 18 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in implementing the recommendation of the rail enforcement powers working group that it explores the introduction of new primary legislation to create greater legal protections for rail workers, including what discussions have taken place between its Transport and Justice departments regarding this.
The Scottish Government recognises that there is a desire for enhanced legal protections for rail workers, and sees the merit in exploring future legislative option, which is why I have accepted the recommendations included in the report delivered by the Rail Enforcement Powers Working Group, in full.
Scottish Government officials (including transport and justice divisions) have been instructed to begin detailed legal, financial and policy analysis of the Working Group’s recommendations, which will involve exploring whether there is an appropriate legislative vehicle for implementing some of these outputs.
However, it is important to note that any future primary or secondary legislation will be for the future Government to agree to and take forward.