Tube driver who used PA system to chant ‘free Palestine’ suspended | UK News

The incident took place on Saturday, when around 100,000 demonstrators took to the streets of the capital to voice their support for Palestine.

A video widely shared on social media appears to show the driver repeating ‘free, free’ several times over the system, before Tube passengers shout back: ‘Palestine’.

It ends with the voice on the PA system saying: ‘Hope you all have a pleasant day, look after yourselves.’

Demonstrators are then seen clapping and cheering before exiting the carriage at Marble Arch station, on the north-east corner of Hyde Park.

Glynn Barton, Transport for London’s chief operating officer, said: ‘We have been urgently and thoroughly investigating the footage appearing to show a Tube driver misusing the PA system and leading chants on a Central line train on Saturday.

‘A driver has now been identified and suspended whilst we continue to fully investigate the incident in line with our policies and procedures.’

The Israeli Embassy said: ‘It is deeply troubling to see such intolerance on London’s Tubes … public transport should be a place of safety and inclusivity for all.’

Minister for London Paul Scully warned against stoking tensions and advised staff on the Tube to ‘focus on the day job’.

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan confirmed the force was investigating the incident on Saturday.

In response, Finn Brennan, full-time organiser on London Underground for the train drivers’ union Aslef, said: ‘We are aware that a Tube train driver has been suspended while an investigation takes place.

‘The involvement of the police in this matter is a ridiculous overreaction to something that should clearly be dealt with internally by Transport for London in line with normal procedures.’

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