Fears over Tube police 'merger'

David Blunkett is trying to push through controversial plans which police fear could compromise safety and security for Tube passengers in London.

Leaked documents show the Home Secretary wants to merge British Transport Police's London Underground operation with Scotland Yard in an echo of a New York scheme credited with helping to clean up the city.

Senior BTP sources, who say the idea is being pushed hard by the Home Office, have warned privately that a merger will undermine efforts to combat risks of terrorism and "compromise the safety of the capital".

The plans, which come directly from Mr Blunkett after his visit to New York this year, would see the 420-plus BTP officers who work on the Underground absorbed into the Met.