Metropolitan Police are reviewing a post by Sarah Helm, wife of Jonathan Powell, regarding the proscribed group Palestine Action.
Key facts
- •Sarah Helm, wife of national security adviser Jonathan Powell, posted support for Palestine Action on X.
- •Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organization by the UK government in 2025.
- •Supporting the group is a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
- •Four activists were previously jailed for causing over £1 million in damage to an Elbit factory.
- •Amnesty International reports that thousands have been arrested in the UK for alleged support of the group since the ban.
The Metropolitan Police are assessing a social media post made by Sarah Helm, the wife of national security adviser Jonathan Powell, which referenced the group Palestine Action. Helm, an author and journalist, wrote on X: "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action." The post was made in response to a discussion regarding novelist Sally Rooney’s decision to support the group with her royalties.
By the numbers
Government and Police Response
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday that the post is being reviewed to determine if a formal investigation is necessary. A Downing Street spokeswoman stated that Helm is an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity.
Status of Palestine Action
The UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in 2025, making it a criminal offense to belong to or support the group, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. The group, which describes itself as a direct action movement, has faced legal challenges and protests, with the Court of Appeal ruling the proscription lawful in June.
Public and Political Reaction
The post has drawn varied reactions, with Reform UK MP Danny Kruger writing to the prime minister to raise concerns. The Campaign Against Antisemitism described the post as "gobsmacking" and called for Mr. Powell to denounce the rhetoric. Conversely, Green Party leader Zack Polanski commended Helm for her comments and called for the group's de-proscription.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Politics, The New Arab.
