Tube driver's pro-Palestinian chant caught in viral footage sparks police probe
A Tube driver who apparently led a chant of "free, free Palestine" on a London Underground train on Saturday is being investigated by British Transport Police (BTP) and his employers Transport for London.
A video of the incident on X appears to show a Central line Tube driver leading the chant on Saturday as up to 100,000 protesters headed to Marble Arch to take part in a pro-Palestine rally. After the chant finishes he tells the passengers to have a "blessed day" and apologises for not being able to attend the protest.
According to MyLondon, the incident has sparked controversy as some users of the social media platform do not agree with the driver's actions. BTP said it was aware of footage circulating on social media. In the video, the driver can also be heard saying "hope you all have a pleasant day today" and "keep all those people in your prayers".
Thousands of protesters marched in London to show their support of Palestine (Philip Coburn /Daily Mirror)Assistant Chief Constable, Sean O'Callaghan said: "British Transport Police are aware of footage circulating on social media which suggests chants are led by driver of a train in London earlier. BTP are working with Transport for London and investigating the matter."
One user commented: "This just brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for all the sincere hearts who speak out with their morality intact." Another added: "I was on that Tube and it was a great gesture by the driver and supported by virtually everyone around me."
Faces of the children killed in horror dog attacks in UK since 2020
The footage was posted online by journalist Ruby Lott-Lavigna but she has now said she has deleted the video, adding: "Was sharing with my reporter hat on but had no intention of putting the driver’s job at risk."
While many comments were supportive of the driver's alleged actions, others were not so impressed, with one user saying: "@TfL how do you think Jewish people on your trains must feel hearing this? It's a disgrace." Another commented: "Oh dear... he will definitely be sacked for this."
Minister for London Paul Scully said staff should “focus on the day job” and warned against stoking tension in the capital. Tory minister Mr Scully said: “At a time when there’s not enough emphasis on the difference between the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas and the legitimate concerns of Palestinians in Gaza, it’s really important that Londoners don’t stoke the tension in our capital where Jews live peacefully alongside Muslims.
“Informed protest can bring change. But on-trend bandwagons can cause rifts and fear in communities, increasing the threat to the safety of some passengers travelling among those crowds.”
He said Labour mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) will “need to get staff focused on the day job of safely moving people from A to B”. Prior to the march The Met said there would be no tolerance of hate crime and put conditions in place for the protest.
As part of this they defined what can be chanted, saying: "There will be some slogans and chants that are obviously lawful or unlawful, but there will be others that are the subject of intense public debate where different groups interpret the language used in different ways."
It came as the first aid deliveries reached Gaza since Israel imposed a blockade after a Hamas attack on October 7 killed 1,400 people in Israel, which then cut off supplies of fuel, electricity and water to Gaza after the attack.
Palestinian officials say more than 4,000 people have been killed in the territory since then, while the UN said about 1.4 million Gazans have been displaced with more than half a million people in 147 the organisation's shelters.
TfL said it was "committed to providing a safe network for everyone". A spokesperson added: "We want to make it clear that London is open to everyone. We are aware of footage circulating on social media that suggests political comments may have been made by one of our Tube drivers. We are working to scrutinise the footage and ensure the circumstances are urgently investigated."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
