Galloway Detained Nine Hours Under Terrorism Act

Former MP George Galloway and his wife Putri Gayatri Pertiwi were stopped by counter‑terrorism officers at Gatwick Airport under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act after arriving from Moscow via Abu Dhabi/Dubai. The Metropolitan Police said the pair were detained for nine hours, neither was arrested, and both were ultimately allowed on their way; the force provided no further details about any suspected offence. The couple allege officers confiscated their phones and a laptop and questioned them at length about Russia, China, Gaza and other topics, with Galloway calling the encounter a "fishing expedition" to gain access to their communications. Galloway said he was quizzed for hours while his wife was asked about a Palestinian‑flag fingernail; both allege human‑rights breaches and say they are threatening legal action. The Workers Party of Britain described the stop as politically motivated intimidation of critics of UK foreign policy, and Galloway used his broadcast to denounce the conduct of counter‑terror officers.