Police are investigating after a tube driver led a chant of “free, free Palestine” on a London Underground train.
Minister for London Paul Scully said staff should “focus on the day job” and warned against stoking tension in the capital.
As around 100,000 protesters took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration, footage posted online by journalist Ruby Lott-Lavigna appeared to show the chant being led over the train’s speaker system.
The driver of the Central line service said “free, free” to which the passengers responded “Palestine” – a popular chant at protests.
Tory Minister Mr Scully said that it's "important that Londoners don’t stoke the tension in our capital where Jews live peacefully alongside Muslims".
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, formerly known as Twitter: “London’s tubes are for everyone. Many will find this intimidating.”
He said the mayor “has a duty to help all Londoners feel safe”.
The Israeli Embassy wrote: “It is deeply troubling to see such intolerance on London’s tubes…. public transport should be a place of safety and inclusivity for all.”
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 driver of a train in London earlier”.
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.”
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Isle of Dogs
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Liev Schreiber, Ed Norton, Greta Gerwig, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson
Three stars
