The member of staff, who refused to remove the graffiti, was allegedly “hostile” and “confrontational” when the complaint was raised
October 31, 2025 15:31
A TfL supervisor has been accused of refusing to remove pro-Palestine graffiti from an information board and telling a passenger, who complained about the vandalism, that there should be “more of it”.
According to pro-Israeli lobby group UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), the incident unfolded at Liverpool Street Station in August, when a passenger approached a member of station staff to complain about the graffiti her friend had seen at Bank.
A service information board at the station reportedly had the words "free Palestine" scrawled across it, but when the complainant's friend tried to report it, she found no staff on duty. This prompted her to call the complainant at Liverpool Street to ask her to report it there.
However, the supervisor to whom she reported the graffiti, along with another member of staff, was allegedly "hostile" and "confrontational". The supervisor, who was apparently wearing a “Palestine Solidarity” badge, is alleged to have told her there should be more signs like the one she was reporting.
He then reportedly described his own badge as “lovely” and having “beautiful colours” before refusing to take any action regarding the graffiti. The complainant told UKLFI she felt “harassed, intimidated and unsafe” by his behaviour.
It is against TfL policy to wear political badges whilst in uniform. The only badges which are allowed to be worn are those of trade unions, but the supervisor's Palestine badge apparently included the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' (RMT) Union logo.
Caroline Turner, Director of UKLFI, said: "It is unacceptable for public transport staff to bully and harass passengers, make them feel unsafe, and for staff to fail to carry out their duties as a result of their political beliefs.
"TfL must ensure that its policies of neutrality are properly enforced and that staff whose behaviour has been negatively affected by their political beliefs are suitably disciplined.”
Terry Deller, head of employee relations for TfL, said: “I understand that as soon as staff at Bank Station were made aware of it, the wording on the board was removed.
"Additionally, once the incident at Liverpool Street station was brought to our attention, we investigated the matter, and appropriate action was taken in line with our internal policies and procedures."
A TfL spokesperson told the JC: “No one should ever have to experience fear or intimidation on our network, and we do not tolerate any kind of graffiti.
"We encourage anyone who does see anything that they find offensive to report it to staff so that action can be taken.
"As soon as this incident was brought to our attention, we investigated and appropriate action was taken in line with our internal policies and procedures.
"Staff have been reminded of uniform regulations and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the transport network is safe and welcoming to all customers.”
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