Britain27 September, 20252 min read
Metropolitan Police Detain George Galloway and Wife Under Terrorism Act at Gatwick Airport
George Galloway and his wife were detained under Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. The couple was stopped at Gatwick Airport returning from Moscow via Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 27 September 2025.
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Detention of George Galloway at Airport
George Galloway, a former MP and leader of the Workers Party of Britain, and his wife, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, were detained by counter-terrorism police at Gatwick Airport under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. The couple was stopped upon their return to the UK from Moscow via Abu Dhabi.
“The detention, which involved being stopped, questioned, and searched, was confirmed by the Metropolitan Police but did not lead to an arrest, and both were eventually allowed to continue their journey.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the detention was conducted under Schedule 3 of the Act, which allows officers to stop and question individuals suspected of hostile activities threatening UK security. Both Galloway and his wife were not arrested and were eventually allowed to continue their journey.
Political Detention Controversy
The Workers Party of Britain, led by Galloway, condemned the detention as "politically motivated intimidation." The party accused the police of obstructing legal support and withholding information during the stop. This incident has sparked outrage among pro-Palestine activists and political figures, who view the stop as an attack on political freedoms and democracy.
Supporters, including MP Adnan Hussain and activists Yvonne Ridley and Chris Williamson, have publicly criticized the action. They highlighted Galloway's known opposition to Western policies toward Russia and China as a potential reason for the detention.
UK Border Security Powers
The legal framework for detention, Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, allows officers to stop, question, search, and detain individuals at UK ports or borders to assess involvement in hostile activity. This includes requiring access to device passwords.
“The police action was conducted under schedule 3 of the Act, which permits officers to stop, question, search, and detain individuals at UK ports or borders to assess involvement in hostile activity, including requiring access to device passwords.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the stop but provided no further details. The Act is designed to address threats to national security, but its application in this case has raised questions about its use against political figures and the potential for abuse of power.
Galloway's Political Controversies
Galloway's political career has been marked by controversy. He has been outspoken in his criticism of NATO and supportive of Palestine. He has also backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Galloway has previously worked with Russian state media and recently attended Russia’s Victory Day parade. These activities have been noted by some sources as possible reasons for his detention.
The Daily Record (Local Western) reports that Galloway plans to run for the Scottish Parliament. This indicates his continued involvement in politics despite recent setbacks.