Tory MP Calls For Prosecution Of London Tube Driver Who Led ‘Free Palestine’ Chant

Conservative MP Sir Michael Ellis called for the prosecution of the London Tube driver who led “Free Palestine” chant over the train’s speaker system during the weekend.

The incident occurred as thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators attended protests in major UK cities, voicing their concerns against the ongoing Israeli military campaign on Gaza, following the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7th.

Addressing the House of Commons, representative for Northampton, Ellis, said: “Speaker, does my right honourable friend think that people of the Jewish faith are safe on the London Underground because I have to tell him that many Jews in London do not feel safe? Does he agree with me that London Underground employees who misuse Transport for London equipment to take part in intimidatory acts should not only be disciplined for gross misconduct, but considered for prosecution for causing harassment and alarm and distress under the Public Order Act?”

In response to MP Ellis’s concerns, Transport Minister Huw Merriman highlighted that he had been in touch with the British Transport Police upon viewing the footage. While refraining from delving into specifics due to the ongoing investigation, Merriman emphasised the gravity with which both the British Transport Police and London Underground are treating the matter.

He continued: “They have publicly said that a member of staff has been suspended.”

The incident has ignited a debate about personal freedoms and the responsibilities and professional conduct expected of public service workers.