Deary, deary me .... DFC you betray a curious lack of grasp about what is going on. I'm beginning to look upon you in a new, more (frighteningly) innocent light.
U.K. pilots are preparing for a recognition vote.
It is not necessary to frighten the other pilots (yet).
It is necessary to frighten the U.K. pilots.
You fire a U.K pilot who has been giving material to cabin crew to concentrate the minds of U.K. pilots.
It matters little if this has nothing to do with BALPA.
Just as was the case with Captain Goss in Dublin, when they tried to fire him - unfairly and improperly, as a court subsequently found. Funnily enough it was at a time when the pilots there wanted to stand up for themselves.
Just a coincidence?
To fire = to demonstrate power = to frighten = to divide and conquer = to keep people in their place.