London tube driver suspended over 'Free Palestine' chant

There have been calls to reinstate a London tube driver recently suspended for allegedly leading a "Free Palestine" chant on a packed train on Saturday. 

In video footage posted online, a driver on a Central Line train can be heard over a PA system trying to kickstart a pro-Palestine chant.

It came hours after a huge pro-Palestine march took place in Central London, where 100,000 people marched from Marble Arch to Downing Street, home of the prime minister to protest Israel’s ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip. 

"Free, free," a voice from the tannoy bellowed, to which the passenger responded with "Palestine". 

"Hope you all have a blessed day. Look after yourselves. Keep all those people in your prayers," the driver said. This was a reference to the Palestinian lives lost and impacted by the war. 

He informed passengers that he intended to march in tribute with Palestine but had work that day. 

"Although I can't be there, would you kindly join me as we proceed to Bond Street. To warm you guys up, here we go: free, free," he said. 

London rise for Gaza

Police estimated 100,000 people had taken part in the "National March for Palestine" in London. The protestors demanded an end to the Israeli targeting of civilians in Gaza and freedom for all Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/JFzqNjaPra

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) October 22, 2023

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan has said that his force was "aware of footage circulating on social media which suggests chants are led by driver of a train in London earlier". 
 
Finn Brennan, a full-time organiser on London Underground for the train drivers union, Aslef, confirmed the driver's suspension and opposed a police investigation into the matter.

"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," Brennan said.  

Others backed the move, such as Security Minister Tom Tugendhat. "London’s tubes are for everyone. Many will find this intimidating," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "@MayorofLondon has a duty to help all Londoners feel safe." 

Activists, academics, and others, however, have backed the driver.  

Poet and activist, Shareefa Energy, posted a tweet on X which said: "A great London tube driver showed solidarity with Palestine whilst his passengers were on the way to 300,000+ man march and led a free Palestine chant.  

"His job's in jeopardy. Please sign this petition, we stand with him against the genocide of Palestinians."

Historian and campaigner Dr. Louise Raw added: "Suspended for saying two words. This is clearly no longer a ‘free, free’ country. I hope @RMTunion can support him."

Israel has carried out a large-scale bombing campaign against Gaza, which has so far killed almost 6,000 people so far and wounded 16,297 Palestinians. 

It comes after Hamas launched a surprise attack inside Israeli territory on 7 October, where hundreds of Israelis were taken captive. Gaza has been under siege since a Hamas takeover of the enclave in 2007.

TfL has been approached for comment but had yet to respond by the time of publication.