Police investigating Tube driver leading passengers in pro-Palestine chant

The British Transport Police said it is investigating a video that appears to show a London Underground driver leading passengers in a chant of “free, free Palestine”.

The video, posted on X – formerly known as Twitter, appears to show the driver chanting over the announcement system on the Central line.

The driver says “free, free” to which the passengers responded “Palestine” – a popular chant at protests.

A packed carriage also appears to cheer the driver.

He also says: “Hope you all have a blessed day today and look after yourselves.

“And keep all those people in your prayers.”

The video emerged as around 100,000 people gathered in central London for a pro-Palestinian march on Saturday afternoon.

The Conservative Minister for London Paul Scully said staff should “focus on the day job” and warned against stoking tension in the capital.

“At a time when there’s not enough emphasis on the difference between the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas and the legitimate concerns of Palestinians in Gaza, it’s really important that Londoners don’t stoke the tension in our capital where Jews live peacefully alongside Muslims,” Mr Scully said.

“Informed protest can bring change. But on-trend bandwagons can cause rifts and fear in communities, increasing the threat to the safety of some passengers travelling among those crowds.”

Follow live: First aid trucks enter Gaza as border crossing with Egypt opens

He suggested Labour mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) “need to get staff focused on the day job of safely moving people from A to B”.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat wrote on X: “London’s Tubes are for everyone. Many will find this intimidating.”

He said the mayor “has a duty to help all Londoners feel safe”.

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said the force was “aware of footage circulating on social media which suggests chants are led by a driver of a train in London earlier”.

“BTP are working with Transport for London and investigating the matter.”

Meanwhile, a TfL spokesman said: “We are committed to providing a safe network for everyone and want to make it clear that London is open to everyone.

“We are aware of footage circulating on social media that suggests political comments may have been made by one of our Tube drivers.

“We are working to scrutinise the footage and ensure the circumstances are urgently investigated.”