Tube drivers refuse to do security checks after blasts

A BITTER row broke out last night after Tube drivers refused to carry out security inspections on London Underground trains.

The drivers argued that police or army officers should give the all-clear before services could resume.

London Underground managing director Tim O’Toole said he hoped that some Tube services would be able to resume last night on the Jubilee, Northern and Victoria lines.

But the Rail Maritime and Transport union said drivers had been asked to carry out security inspections on Tube trains which was “completely unacceptable”.

General secretary Bob Crow said: “We don’t believe drivers should be checking trains until police or army officers have given the all-clear.

“We obviously apologise for any delays this will cause, but the threat is too serious for such crucial inspections to be done by untrained staff.”

The union said it had been kept in the dark over security plans and called for a review of security, to involve trade unions.

Meanwhile, all West End shows were cancelled in London last night as a result of the police advice that people should not travel into central London.

The National Theatre also cancelled last night’s performances the UN Inspector and The Aristocrats.

The second night of the HM Tower of London Festival of Music, with Amy Winehouse and Kyle Eastwood, was cancelled.

The Prodigy concert was rescheduled to Sunday and at the Royal Opera House, a performance of Othello was called off.

Somerset House announced that last night’s concert by Queens of the Stone Age would be postponed.

Shops and banks in central London closed their doors early yesterday following the terror explosions.

The London Retail Consortium said businesses had initially followed police advice by keeping staff indoors.

A spokesperson said: “It is too early to say what effect this morning’s attacks will have on retail.”

Selfridges on Oxford Street shut at around 3.30pm. And Harrods in Knightsbridge closed at 5pm.

A House of Fraser said all five central London branches had shut at lunch time, including flagship stores on Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Barclays Bank shut 17 London branches, including those in areas closest to the explosions.