What happened at Gatwick?
Former MP George Galloway and his wife were briefly detained at Gatwick Airport on Saturday morning, according to the Workers Party of Britain (WPB). The party said the pair, who had reportedly travelled back to the UK from Moscow via Abu Dhabi, were stopped by counter-terrorism police under Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that a man in his 70s and a woman in her 40s were stopped under Schedule 3, but were not arrested and were allowed to continue their journey.
Official statements and the rights involved
The Met Police described the incident as a stop under Schedule 3, which authorises officers to stop, question, search and detain individuals at a port or border area to determine whether they have engaged in hostile activity. While the law allows authorities to request information, including passwords to devices, it was not disclosed whether any such information was demanded in this case. Police reiterated that no arrest occurred and the individuals were released.
Context: what Schedule 3 means
Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 provides powers for counter-terrorism officers at border points or border-adjacent areas. It is designed to enable quick assessments to prevent threats from materialising. Detained individuals may be required to provide information to determine the nature of any alleged activity, and the framework is intended to balance security needs with safeguards for those stopped. The police have stressed that the stops are lawful and conducted under the Act.
The WPB response and political context
The Workers Party of Britain said it was informed that Galloway and his wife had been detained, and later stated on X that they were released without charge and that there had never been any suggestion of an offence. The party characterised the event as part of an intimidation campaign aimed at opponents of its stance on foreign policy. Galloway, who has held seats in Parliament with the Labour Party, the Independent Group, and Respect, has been active in politics since leaving the Commons in 2015 and returning as a WPB MP after a by-election in Rochdale in 2024, before losing the seat in the subsequent general election.
Why this matters
Incidents like this spotlight the ongoing balance between national security and civil liberties at UK borders. While authorities say the actions are routine checks under anti-terrorism legislation, critics warn that repeated detentions could have chilling effects on political activism and international travel for figures involved in controversial or dissenting discourses. The events also raise questions about how such powers are used in practice when high-profile political figures are involved and how transparency can be maintained in these cases.
What happens next?
With the individuals released and no charges filed, the incident appears to be concluded for now. The Met Police emphasised that detentions are conducted under specific statutory powers and are not indicative of criminal findings. For the WPB and supporters of the parties involved, the episode is likely to fuel ongoing debates about foreign policy, free speech, and the use of security powers in domestic politics.
