Labour Group Demands National Security Adviser's Dismissal Over Wife's Remarks

A Labour group has called for the dismissal of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, citing concerns over his wife Sarah Helm's past social media comments, including remarks that have been described as anti-Jewish. Labour Against Antisemitism has formally written to the Prime Minister demanding Powell's resignation or termination, arguing that Helm's statements pose security risks.

Helm was previously investigated and cleared by police regarding a social media post in which she expressed support for Palestine Action, a group banned in the UK. The Labour group has also highlighted other comments made by Helm, such as a reference to 'the Jewish lobby' and its influence on prime ministers.

In their letter, Labour Against Antisemitism stated that partners are subject to Developed Vetting, and that Powell's continued role is indefensible regardless of whether vetting missed these issues or cleared them. The group reminded the Prime Minister of his commitment to zero tolerance for antisemitism and asserted that Powell's position is untenable. This call for Powell's removal has been echoed by figures from both Labour and Conservative parties.

Shadow home affairs minister Alicia Kearns has also written to the Prime Minister, questioning the handling of sensitive national security information and whether Powell retains the confidence of his superiors. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister, however, stated that Burnham has confidence in Powell, characterizing his wife's comments as individual views not representative of the government. The spokesperson described Powell as 'one of the finest diplomats of our generation' whose experience is self-evident.

Helm, an author and former Middle East correspondent, also appeared to suggest that her husband had minimal involvement in the government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action last year. In response to inquiries on social media, she stated that Powell was neither instrumental nor involved in the banning decision. In separate footage, Helm indicated that she discussed her husband's work at Number 10 with him daily, a statement she later described as 'shocking admissions.'

Earlier in October 2026, the Metropolitan Police reviewed a post by Helm expressing support for Palestine Action but determined it did not meet the criminal threshold. The proscription of Palestine Action, effective from July 2025, makes membership or support of the group a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.

Helm's comments have also been a subject of discussion in the House of Lords. Liberal Democrat peer Lord Palmer sought assurances that Powell is not unduly influenced by his wife's statements. Cabinet Office minister Baroness Twycross emphasized that Helm does not represent the government and stressed the importance of distinguishing between government employees and their families. Shadow Foreign Office minister Lord Callanan questioned how Helm would know the extent of her husband's involvement in the proscription decision, to which Lady Twycross responded that it was a government decision with a clear stance on Palestine Action.