Tube driver disciplined over pro-Palestinian chant

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A Central line train
Image caption,

A video showed some passengers on the Central line train joining in with the driver

A Tube driver has faced disciplinary action after he led pro-Palestinian chants on a London Underground train, Transport for London (TfL) said.

It happened on 21 October, a day when about 100,000 protesters took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration.

In footage posted online, the words "free, free" could be heard coming from the train's speaker system and some passengers responded "Palestine" - a popular chant at protests.

TfL said the driver had apologised.

It did not detail what type of disciplinary action was taken.

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

The march in central London on 21 October called for solidarity with Palestinian civilians

A TfL spokesperson said: "Following a thorough internal investigation, disciplinary action has been taken with regard to the driver who made announcements on the Central line.

"The driver has also written to faith groups to apologise for the announcements and for the impact they had on some customers travelling on the train and in the wider community.

"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."

The chant was criticised at the time by minister for London Paul Scully, who said Tube staff should "focus on the day job" and warned against stoking tension in the capital.

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