Police Assess Post by National Security Adviser's Wife
Sarah Helm's social media comment referencing a proscribed group prompts scrutiny.
The Metropolitan Police are assessing a social media post made by Sarah Helm, the wife of the UK's national security adviser Jonathan Powell, which referenced Palestine Action. The group has been labeled a terrorist organization by the Home Office.
Helm wrote on the social media platform X, "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action." Her post was in response to a discussion about author Sally Rooney, who had announced her intention to use royalties to support Palestine Action. Rooney's novels will reportedly not be supplied to UK booksellers following this announcement.
A spokesperson for Downing Street stated that Helm is "an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity."
Reform UK MP Danny Kruger has written to the prime minister regarding the post. The Campaign Against Antisemitism called the post "gobsmacking" and urged Powell to publicly denounce the rhetoric.
Conversely, Green Party leader Zack Polanski defended Helm, stating she is "speaking absolute common sense and should be commended for her bravery." Polanski also called for Palestine Action to be de-proscribed.
Palestine Action identifies itself as a "direct action movement" employing "disruptive tactics." Earlier this year, four activists associated with the group were jailed for causing significant damage at a UK site belonging to an Israel-based defense firm. In 2025, the UK government proscribed Palestine Action, making it a criminal offense to belong to or support the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The government's decision to proscribe the group led to protests, with an estimated 3,700 arrests in the UK for publicly supporting Palestine Action. Around 2,500 individuals have been charged, but their cases await a Supreme Court hearing next month concerning a legal challenge to the proscription.
Jonathan Powell, Helm's husband, has a background in diplomacy and served as an adviser in Tony Blair's government, where he was involved in negotiating the Northern Ireland peace deal. He was appointed national security adviser in 2024.