Political Intimidation? Pro-Palestine UK Politician George Galloway and Wife Detained at London Gatwick Under Counter-Terrorism Law, Then Released

A controversial incident unfolded at London Gatwick Airport on Sunday morning when George Galloway, leader of the "Workers Party of Britain" and former MP, was detained alongside his wife by counter-terrorism officers. The detentions were reportedly conducted under the pretext of the "Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act."

The Workers Party of Britain issued a statement via their X platform, confirming they received notification of the stop at 11 AM. The party vehemently demanded the immediate release of the couple, asserting that the action was not based on any clear legal violations or formal charges.

The statement strongly suggested the motive was political: "There is no information regarding charges or violations, which leads us to conclude that this is nothing more than political intimidation" aimed at the former British parliamentarian, known for his unyielding stance in support of Palestine. The party called on its supporters and the wider public to show solidarity and demand the couple's immediate release.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident, stating they stopped a man in his seventies and a woman in her forties under Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. This legislation grants authorities broad powers to stop, question, and detain individuals to ascertain whether they are involved in "hostile activity."

However, police clarified that Galloway and his wife were not formally arrested and were permitted to leave "after a short period." Galloway is one of the UK’s most outspoken supporters of the Palestinian cause. He recently ran for Parliament for the Workers Party in the Rochdale constituency in 2024, winning his seat only to lose it a few weeks later.