Tube driver who led ‘free, free Palestine’ chant is again at work

There is disbelief because the Tube driver who was suspended for main a ‘free, free Palestine‘ chant on an Underground service is already again at work.

Viral footage of the driving force chanting, ‘free, free’, by the practice’s Tannoy system earlier than some commuters responded, ‘Palestine’, on October 21 was the topic of widespread criticism.

The incident came about on the identical day as big pro-Palestine demonstrations when tensions between Israel and Palestine had been a lot greater following the October 7 atrocity, which noticed over a thousand harmless Israelis violently killed.

The driver’s return to work piles stress on Transport for London chair Sadiq Khan, who claimed he needed ‘zero-tolerance of antisemitism’ throughout his victorious marketing campaign for the London mayoralty in 2016. 

Campaign Against Antisemitism instructed MailOnline the driving force ‘ought to have been fired’ for his ‘disgraceful’ actions which might have made Jewish passengers really feel unsafe. 

Viral footage of the driving force chanting, ‘free, free’, by the practice’s Tannoy system earlier than some commuters responded, ‘Palestine’

The driver’s return to work piles stress on Transport for London chair Sadiq Khan , who claimed he needed ‘zero-tolerance of antisemitism’

The incident came about on the identical day as big pro-Palestine demonstrations when tensions between Israel and Palestine had been a lot greater

TfL introduced right this moment that disciplinary motion had been taken in opposition to the Tube driver after he apologised to religion teams.

A TfL spokesperson mentioned: ‘We can affirm that, following a radical inner investigation in accordance with our agreed formal processes, disciplinary motion has been taken with regard to the driving force who made bulletins on the Central line on October 21 final 12 months.

‘The driver has additionally written to religion teams that we’ve been partaking with since October to apologise for the bulletins and for the influence that they had on some prospects travelling on the practice and within the wider neighborhood.

‘It is critically vital to everybody at TfL that our community feels, and is, a protected and welcoming place for all Londoners, and we’ll do all we will to proceed to make sure that.’

Tube sources mentioned the driving force’s suspension has been lifted and he shall be returning to work. 

A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism mentioned: ‘This driver’s conduct was grossly unprofessional. 

‘Imagine being a Jewish particular person on that practice, not solely intimidated by the quite a few demonstrators round you but additionally within the information that you simply may not be capable to depend on the very TfL employees tasked together with your security. 

‘This incident was a shame to TfL, and coming at a time of heightened stress in London, it was downright harmful.

‘TfL’s determination has made the establishment complicit. Is there no accountability anymore? TfL ought to have fired this driver. No ifs or buts. 

TfL introduced right this moment that disciplinary motion had been taken in opposition to the Tube driver after he apologised to religion teams

In the viral footage of the mantra, the driving force additionally requested passengers: ‘Louder, please, louder!’

‘Jewish passengers need to have faith within the capital’s public transport similar to everyone else. Why does not TfL agree?’    

Finn Brennan, Aslef union’s organiser on London Underground, mentioned: ‘We are glad that this case has been efficiently concluded consistent with London Underground’s disciplinary coverage.’

In the viral footage of the mantra, the driving force additionally requested passengers: ‘Louder, please, louder!’ 

Before folks had been let off the carriage, he completed: ‘Hope you all have a blessed day and take care of yourselves.’

The British Transport Police (BTP) additionally launched an investigation into the mantra and determined to not take ‘additional motion’. 

A spokesperson mentioned: ‘Detectives from British Transport Police carried out a radical investigation into this incident. Having reviewed obtainable proof with the CPS, British Transport Police are taking no additional motion.’