Tube driver suspended over pro-Palestinian chant

A Tube driver who appeared to lead a pro-Palestinian chant on a London Underground train has been suspended, Transport for London (TfL) said.

It happened on Saturday as about 100,000 protesters took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration.

Footage posted online apparently showed the chant being led over the train's speaker system.

The words "free, free" could be heard and passengers responded "Palestine" - a popular chant at protests.

TfL said the driver was suspended while full investigations were under way.

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 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."

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