Assembly supports dismissed bus driver

Mr Mark Hehir, a London bus driver, was dismissed by Metroline after intervening to protect a passenger whose necklace had been stolen and using reasonable force in self-defence when confronted by the offender.

Mr Hehir sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident, and his dismissal was upheld by an employment tribunal.

The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor and Transport for London to issue a public apology to Mr Hehir, and to apply pressure to Metroline to reinstate Mr Hehir or provide appropriate compensation for his dismissal.

The Assembly also calls on the Mayor to set out clear guidance for transport workers protecting passengers.

Keith Prince AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“This case is not an abstract policy discussion. A London bus driver, Mark Hehir, has lost his job after intervening to help a passenger who had been robbed, and his livelihood and reputation are on the line right now.

“More than 100,000 members of the public have spoken out in Mark’s support because they recognise a basic injustice. This is not about encouraging reckless behaviour. It is about whether we are comfortable with a system that punishes frontline workers for stepping in when crime happens right in front of them.

“By supporting this motion unanimously, the Assembly has sent a clear message that public concern, common sense, and fairness still matter. Londoners expect action, not excuses or delay, and I’m delighted that today the Assembly supported my motion and did the right thing.”

The full text of the motion is:

The London Assembly notes the case of Mr Mark Hehir, a London bus driver dismissed by Metroline after intervening to protect a passenger whose necklace had been stolen and using reasonable force in self defence when confronted by the offender.

The Assembly further notes that Mr Hehir sustained serious injuries as a result of this incident, including a severe hand infection requiring intensive hospital treatment, and that an employment tribunal has since upheld Metroline’s decision to dismiss him.

The Assembly recognises the overwhelming public concern surrounding this case, with over 100,000 people signing a petition in support of Mr Hehir and significant cross party political backing calling for an apology and appropriate redress.

The Assembly calls on the Mayor of London and Transport for London to carry out a full investigation into this incident and, depending on the findings, then insist Metroline issues a public apology and reinstates Mr Hehir or provides appropriate compensation for his dismissal. The investigation’s findings should be shared with the Assembly.

The Assembly further calls on the Mayor to ensure that clear guidance is put in place so that transport workers who act in good faith to protect passengers are treated fairly and supported, not punished.

Finally, this Assembly wishes to express its support for the introduction of good Samaritan protections in civil law for both employers and employees.

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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