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A Tube driver filmed main London Underground passengers in a chant of “free Palestine” can be allowed to return to work after apologising to religion teams.
The Central Line driver was suspended after he was heard main protesters in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “no justice, no peace” over the tannoy on 21 October.
According to those that filmed the incident, the driver mentioned he had been unable to attend the massive pro-Palestine demonstration that day, which noticed round 100,000 individuals protest in central London in opposition to Israel’s devastating bombardment of Gaza following Hamas’s cross-border bloodbath on 7 October.
The Transport for London (TfL) worker was at one level filmed telling protesters “louder, please, louder” as they responded to his chants, earlier than concluding by saying: “Hope you all have a blessed, day today. Look after yourselves … and keep all those people in your prayers.”
He was suspended whereas TfL investigated the incident after footage posted on-line sparked criticism, together with from Tory MPs and the Israeli Embassy, which mentioned: “It is deeply troubling to see such intolerance on London’s Tubes … public transport should be a place of safety and inclusivity for all.”
A TfL spokesperson mentioned on Wednesday that, “following a thorough internal investigation in accordance with our agreed formal processes, disciplinary action has been taken”.
“The driver has also written to faith groups that we have been engaging with since October to apologise for the announcements and for the impact they had on some customers travelling on the train and in the wider community,” they mentioned.
“It is critically important to everyone at TfL that our network feels, and is, a safe and welcoming place for all Londoners, and we will do all we can to continue to ensure that.”PA
British Transport Police had additionally beforehand mentioned it was investigating the case and dealing with TfL – a transfer which the Aslef union mentioned was “a ridiculous overreaction to something that should clearly be dealt with internally by Transport for London in line with normal procedures”.
The practice drivers’ union mentioned on Wednesday: “We are glad that this case has been successfully concluded in line with London Underground’s disciplinary policy.”
Tube sources mentioned the driver’s suspension has been lifted and he can be returning to work.
Additional reporting by PA
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