Tube staff ‘must face tougher security checks’

Boris Johnson was under pressure today to order "urgent" improvements to security checks on Tube staff after it emerged that bosses were not aware a driver was accused of terror offences.

Amir Ali, a former £41,000-a-year worker on the Bakerloo line, was found not guilty yesterday of preparation for acts of terrorism. He claimed that he had been framed by the British security services after he refused to become an MI5 mole.

Ali, 28, was arrested last year but at first Transport for London did not know why he was absent.

Colleagues were said to have thought that he was on a "career break". Val Shawcross, leader of the London Assembly's transport committee, said: "It's vital that TfL and the police actively exchange information about risks —particularly about staff who are in trusted positions."

A TfL spokesman said: "Safety and security on LU is our top priority and staff are subject to criminal record checks which are in line with government requirements."