Transport for London (TfL) has suspended a Tube driver pending further investigation after an incident on Saturday where the driver seemingly led passengers in a chant of “free, free Palestine” on a Central Line train.
The incident occurred during a pro-Palestinian demonstration that drew around 100,000 protestors. A video posted online showed the driver using the train’s speaker system to say “free, free,” with passengers responding with “Palestine.”
Glynn Barton, TfL’s chief operating officer, stated, “A driver has now been identified and suspended while we continue to fully investigate the incident in line with our policies and procedures.” The chant drew criticism from London’s Minister Paul Scully, who urged Tube staff to “focus on the day job” and cautioned against escalating tension in the capital.