Full Breakdown
George Galloway Detained by Counter-Terrorism Police at Gatwick Airport
9/27/2025, 11:58:17 PM
Incident Overview: Detention at Gatwick Airport
On September 27, 2025, former MP George Galloway and his wife, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, were stopped by counter-terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport upon their return to the UK from Moscow via Abu Dhabi. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the couple was detained under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, which permits officers to stop and question individuals at border points to assess potential engagement in hostile activities. Neither Galloway nor his wife was arrested, and they were subsequently allowed to continue their journey.
Political Context and Reactions
The Workers Party of Britain, led by Galloway, characterized the police action as "politically motivated intimidation." In a statement shared on social media, the party expressed concern over the lack of information regarding the couple's welfare and the absence of any charges. They urged supporters to amplify their message and demand the immediate release of their leaders. Galloway's detention has sparked significant backlash, particularly among pro-Palestinian circles, with various political figures condemning the incident as an infringement on democratic rights.
Background on George Galloway
George Galloway, 71, has a long and controversial political career, having served as a Labour MP before being expelled in 2003 due to his opposition to the Iraq War. He later represented the Respect Party and the Workers Party of Britain. Galloway is known for his vocal criticism of Western foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Palestine, and has previously attended events in Moscow, including the Russian Victory Day parade. His political stances have often attracted both support and criticism, including accusations of antisemitism.
Official Statements
The Metropolitan Police stated, "We can confirm that on Saturday, counter-terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport stopped a man in his 70s and a woman in her 40s under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. Neither of them were arrested and they were allowed on their way." The police did not provide further details regarding the nature of the stop or any potential charges.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the police action, including fellow Workers Party members and political activists, have expressed outrage. Yvonne Ridley, a journalist and political activist, described the detention as "outrageous," while Chris Williamson, a former Labour MP, questioned the legitimacy of the police's actions. The Workers Party's statement emphasized that there was "never any chance of an offence," framing the incident as part of a broader trend of political repression.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Metropolitan Police confirmed the detention, the Workers Party has raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the circumstances of the stop and the treatment of Galloway and his wife. There is no information available on whether they were asked to provide passwords or other personal information during the stop.
What's Next
The incident has drawn attention to the implications of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 and its potential use against political figures. The Workers Party of Britain is likely to continue advocating for transparency and accountability regarding the police's actions, as well as addressing broader concerns about civil liberties in the UK.
