Why do you have to stand on the right on London Underground escalators?

Question

In all other areas of life in the UK we would naturally overtake on the right, or go more slowly on the left...

Answer 1

It's considered common courtesy in most regions to stand right, walk left, not just in the UK

Answer 2

agree with peter k

Answer 3

Because in most people the strongest arm is the right arm. So that is the safest side where people can hold onto the handrail. Us speedy folk don't need to hold on as we leap two steps at a time past the slow plodders.