George Galloway was stopped by Metropolitan Police counter terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport upon his return from Moscow, as reported. The former MP was traveling with his wife and had flown in from Abu Dhabi before arriving in the UK. Both individuals were detained under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act but were not arrested, and were eventually allowed to proceed with their travels.
According to a Metropolitan Police spokesperson, the man in his 70s and the woman in her 40s were questioned under the aforementioned act that grants authorities the power to detain and search individuals suspected of engaging in “hostile activity.”
Despite no arrests made, the incident has sparked controversy, with Galloway’s Workers Party of Britain denouncing the detention as politically motivated intimidation. Galloway, who had previously announced plans to run for the Scottish Parliament, faced this encounter after his defeat in the 2024 election.
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A statement released by Galloway’s party expressed concern over the lack of information regarding the wellbeing and rights of the detained couple, fueling allegations of politically driven motives behind the detention. Supporters are urged to demand the immediate release of the leaders involved.
