Former MP George Galloway and his wife were detained by counter-terrorism police at Gatwick Airport on Saturday following their return from Russia, sparking allegations of political harassment from his Workers Party of Britain.
The Detention
The 71-year-old politician and his 40-year-old wife, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, were stopped by officers after arriving on a flight from Moscow via Abu Dhabi. The couple were detained under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, which grants authorities powers to examine individuals suspected of engaging in activities that may threaten national security.
Metropolitan Police confirmed the detention in a statement: “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.”
Party Response
The Workers Party of Britain, led by Galloway, condemned the action as “politically motivated intimidation.” In a statement posted on social media at 11am, the party claimed police refused to provide information about the detention or allow legal representation.
“Despite repeated attempts to gather further information, and despite repeated calls to the police, we have no further information on their wellbeing, nor on the observation of their Rights,” the party stated. “There is no information on charges or alleged offences. Therefore we may conclude this is politically motivated intimidation.”
The party called for supporters to demand the “immediate release” of their leaders and later condemned what they described as “the attempt to intimidate political opponents of the drive towards war with Russia and China.”
Controversial Moscow Visit
Galloway’s detention follows his controversial appearance in Moscow during Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in May, where he attended Vladimir Putin’s military parade. The politician shared photographs of himself and his wife on Red Square, describing the celebrations as “moving, emotional, inspiring, humbling.”
Previous Controversial Statements
The incident occurs against the backdrop of Galloway’s history of provocative international engagements. He has previously praised Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as a “martyr” and claimed to possess Haniyeh’s personal passport, calling it “one of my most treasured possessions.”
During a recent speech, Galloway thanked Iran for “their steadfastness in support for the Palestinian people,” stating that “when Palestine is finally free, Iran will be able to take its place in the panoply of heroes who made it possible.”
Legal Framework
Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 allows police, immigration, and customs officers to stop individuals to determine if they are “engaged in hostile activities that threaten national security or the economic wellbeing of the UK.” The powers can be exercised without requiring reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.
Both Galloway and his wife were ultimately released without charge, and no arrests were made during the incident.
