23 October 2023 , 18:34
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A Tube driver who appeared to lead passengers in a chant of "free, free Palestine" on a London Underground train has been suspended pending further investigation, Transport for London said.
The incident happened on Saturday as around 100,000 protesters took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration. Footage posted online by a journalist appeared to show the chant being led over the train's speaker system.
The clip appeared 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 told the passengers to have a "blessed day" and apologised for not being able to attend the protest.
The driver said "free, free" to which the passengers responded "Palestine" - a popular chant at protests. Glynn Barton, TfL'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 chant was criticised by minister for London Paul Scully who said Tube staff should "focus on the day job" and warned against stoking tension in the capital. The incident also sparked controversy online as some users of social media platforms did not agree with the driver's actions. British Transport Police had said it was aware of footage circulating on social media.
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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."
On Saturday British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said the force was investigating and was "aware of footage circulating on social media which suggests chants are led by driver of a train in London earlier".