UK Police Close Case on PM Adviser’s Wife Over Pro-Palestine Action Social Media Post

No further legal action will be taken against Sarah Helm, the wife of the prime minister’s national security adviser, following an investigation into her social media comments regarding the proscribed group Palestine Action.

Helm, a journalist and author married to Jonathan Powell, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action.”

The Metropolitan Police initially stated on Friday that the post was under review to determine if further investigation was necessary. However, in an update issued on Saturday, a police spokesperson confirmed: “On Thursday 15 October, we were made aware of a post on X relating to Palestine Action. The post was assessed by specialist officers and it was determined that it did not meet the criminal threshold. No further police action will be taken.”

Helm’s post came amid public discourse surrounding Irish author Sally Rooney, who recently announced she can no longer sell her books in the UK due to her vocal support for Palestine Action.

Authorities concluded there was insufficient evidence to suggest the post encouraged support for a proscribed organisation. Palestine Action was officially designated as a proscribed group in July 2025, making membership or expressions of support a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Downing Street has since distanced itself from Helm’s remarks. A government spokesperson emphasized: “These views are held by an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity.”

The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) had previously called for a police investigation into the matter. While acknowledging that spouses are entitled to hold personal opinions, the group criticised Helm’s statement, saying it “raises extremely serious questions for Jonathan Powell and the government.” The CAA added: “Clearly, the police need to investigate and Sarah Helm must face the full force of the law, just like others who appear to express support for any proscribed terrorist organisation.”

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