Full Breakdown
George Galloway and Wife Detained by Counter-Terrorism Police at Gatwick Airport
9/30/2025, 1:36:20 AM
Incident Overview: Detention Under Counter-Terrorism Legislation
On September 27, 2023, former MP George Galloway and his wife, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, were detained for approximately nine hours by counter-terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport. The couple had returned to the UK from Moscow via Abu Dhabi when they were stopped under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. This legislation permits police and customs officers to stop individuals to ascertain if they are engaged in activities threatening national security or the economic well-being of the UK.
Details of the Detention
Galloway, 71, reported that during the detention, his phone and laptop were confiscated. He claimed that the officers did not provide a valid reason for the stop, suggesting the primary aim was to access their communications. Galloway stated, "If they can arrest me under the terrorism act at an English airport, what hope have you got?" He described the questioning as extensive, covering topics as varied as his opinions on Russia and China, and even personal details about his wife.
Official Statements & Responses
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the detention, stating that neither Galloway nor his wife were arrested and were "allowed on their way." The police emphasized that the stop was conducted under the provisions of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act, which allows officers to question and search individuals at ports. The Workers Party of Britain, which Galloway leads, condemned the incident as an attempt to intimidate political opponents advocating for diplomacy over conflict. They asserted that there was "never any chance of an offence" and criticized the police for obstructing legal support during the incident.
Criticism & Opposition
The Workers Party of Britain characterized the police action as politically motivated intimidation aimed at those opposing the UK's confrontational stance towards Russia and China. They expressed concern over the implications of such detentions for political discourse and civil liberties, arguing that the incident reflects a broader trend of suppressing dissenting voices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not a single effort was made to show cause for having detained me and her with armed officers in public in an English airport.” — George Galloway
- “There was never any chance of an offence. We were obstructed from providing legal support, and the conduct of the affair has been designed to intimidate political opponents of the drive towards war with Russia and China,” — Workers Party of Britain Statement
- “If they can arrest me under the terrorism act at an English airport, what hope have you got?” — George Galloway
What's Next
Following the incident, Galloway's party is likely to pursue further discussions regarding civil liberties and the implications of counter-terrorism laws on political figures. The incident may also prompt calls for greater transparency and accountability in the use of such legislation by law enforcement agencies.
