A right-wing blogger's detention at Edinburgh Airport has raised concerns about the application of anti-terrorism laws on UK soil. Craig Houston, 53, was stopped under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 while returning from a holiday in Greece last Friday.
Police Scotland confirmed that Mr Houston was detained to determine his involvement in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts. Although he has not been arrested or charged with any offence, police seized his electronic devices as part of ongoing enquiries.
Mr Houston describes himself as an investigative journalist and uses his platform to highlight issues such as immigration. In May, he shared a letter on social media purportedly from Rupert Lowe, leader of 'Restore Britain', confirming his membership of the party. His recent videos have discussed protests in Glasgow, including a vigil for Kriss Donald, a white teenager murdered in 2004.
The detention comes amid heightened police activity in Glasgow following several protests. Police recently issued a warning about hate crime after a demonstration outside a property in Castlemilk where windows were reportedly smashed. A senior officer clarified that the occupier was an 'innocent member of the public'. Further protests have been observed in areas such as Cranhill, Royston and Springburn.
Concerns have long been raised about the use of Schedule 7 powers at ports and airports, with civil liberties groups questioning their application. These powers do not require officers to have reasonable suspicion to stop and question an individual, making them distinct from other police powers of stop and search. The ongoing examination of Mr Houston's devices will likely be crucial to the police's investigation.
This incident highlights the broad powers available to law enforcement under anti-terrorism legislation at UK borders, which can affect any traveller. For UK travellers, particularly those returning from international destinations, it serves as a reminder of the potential for stops and questioning at ports of entry, even without prior suspicion.