Should railway stations have airport-style metal detectors? UK debates safety after train stabbing

After the mass stabbing on a London-bound train near Huntingdon that left about 10 people injured and nine of them critically. UK transport officials debate about the safety at the train stations. Metal detectors being the roadblock around the case becomes the topic of discussion.

The metal-detector scanners at the train stations will be a hurdle and make life impossible for the passengers travelling daily as quoted by transport secretary Heidi Alexander.

Ten people have been taken to hospital following a multiple stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire.

Nine are believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.

A major incident has been declared and @TerrorismPolice are supporting our investigation.https://t.co/kpyeKWR8cQ

— British Transport Police (@BTP) November 2, 2025

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No terror link

Addressing the stabbing to BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, she said that there was no terrorist motivation behind the attack. “For a terrorist incident to be declared, there would need to be evidence of someone pursuing this violence, this activity for an ideological or political aim."

Scanners aren’t the solution

“I don’t think airport-style scanners would be the way to go,” the transport secretary told Sky News. “I understand why you asked the question, and I understand why some of your viewers might be wondering about that,” said Heidi according to The Guardian.

With thousands of railway stations around the state, it becomes difficult for one to renovate the metal scanners and build them specifically on every entrance. We need to take sensible steps to counter this problem, she said.

This incident throws light on the 2017 London Bridge terrorist attack where a van was driven at pedestrians.

People are being questioned following the horrific stabbing incident which occurred on Thursday. A 32-year-old British national from Peterborough is also being questioned linking the tie as one of the suspects.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to X and called the episode as “appalling” and “deeply concerning."  

The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning.

My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.

Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 1, 2025