Police assess Palestine Action post by national security adviser's wife

Authorities are currently reviewing a social media message posted by Sarah Helm, the spouse of Jonathan Powell, the national security adviser to the government. Helm’s post referenced Palestine Action, an organisation designated as a terrorist group by the Home Office. On the platform X, she wrote, “God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action.”

This message was made in response to a discussion aired on Sky News, concerning author Sally Rooney. Rooney’s novels will no longer be distributed to booksellers in the UK following her declaration that she plans to donate her royalties to support Palestine Action. Downing Street, through a spokesperson, emphasised that Helm “is an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity.” The BBC has sought a response from Helm but has yet to receive one.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police revealed on Friday that the force has been made aware of the post from 15 October referencing Palestine Action. It is currently under evaluation to determine whether a deeper investigation is warranted. Meanwhile, Reform UK MP Danny Kruger has formally expressed his concerns to the prime minister regarding Helm’s statement.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism described Helm’s post as “gobsmacking,” stressing that while spouses are entitled to their own views, Jonathan Powell, given his role in national security and his involvement in Middle East diplomacy, must publicly repudiate such rhetoric if he is to remain in his government position. Contrasting this sentiment, Green Party leader Zack Polanski praised Helm, affirming, “Sarah Helm is speaking absolute common sense and should be commended for her bravery.” Polanski also urged for the immediate de-proscription of Palestine Action, calling the group’s terrorist label “ludicrous and authoritarian.”

Sarah Helm is an established author and journalist, with a history of work at the Sunday Times and experience as a foreign correspondent for the Independent. Palestine Action identifies itself as a “direct action movement” employing “disruptive tactics.” Earlier in the year, four activists from this group received prison sentences after causing £1.2 million worth of damage at a UK site associated with an Israeli defence firm. The UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in 2025, citing concerns over national security risks. This proscription criminalised membership or support of the group, with potential imprisonment for up to 14 years.

The government’s decision sparked widespread protests across the UK, leading to around 3,700 arrests for public support of the organisation. Approximately 2,500 individuals have been charged, although the legal proceedings have yet to advance to trial as the Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge against the proscription next month. Jonathan Powell has a notable background, having begun his career as a diplomat, advised Tony Blair’s government, and been credited with helping broker the Northern Ireland peace deal. He was appointed national security adviser by Sir Keir Starmer in 2024 and retained the role when Andy Burnham assumed the prime ministership

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