Met Police Assess National Security Adviser's Wife's Post on Banned Group
Sarah Helm's social media comment regarding Palestine Action is under review by the Metropolitan Police.
The Metropolitan Police are reviewing comments made on X, formerly Twitter, by Sarah Helm, the wife of the Prime Minister’s national security adviser Jonathan Powell. Ms Helm's post referenced the proscribed protest group Palestine Action, leading to accusations of backing the organisation.
The ban on Palestine Action came into effect on July 5, 2025. Membership or support for the group is now a criminal offence, with potential penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment. Downing Street has stated that Ms Helm's views do not represent the government.
Police Review and Calls for Investigation
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed: “We have been made aware of an X post on Thursday, 15 October referencing Palestine Action. It is in the process of being assessed to determine whether any further police investigation may be required.” The Campaign Against Antisemitism has urged the police to investigate Ms Helm, a journalist and author. A spokesperson for the group stated that while spouses are entitled to independent views, Ms Helm's post "raises extremely serious questions for Jonathan Powell and the Government" and that "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."
Ms Helm's post was reportedly made in response to discussions about author Sally Rooney. The writer has stated that her books can no longer be sold in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action, to which she pledged earnings from her works and their adaptations. Rooney's publisher, Faber, has consequently decided against selling her novels in Britain.
Surge in Terror Arrests
Official figures indicate a substantial rise in terror-related arrests following the introduction of the ban on supporting Palestine Action. In the year leading up to June, 3,867 arrests were made for suspected terrorist activity, with 94% of these linked to support for the group. This contrasts sharply with the 234 terror arrests recorded in the 12 months prior to the ban.
The United States government also took action in August, designating Palestine Action as a terror group and imposing sanctions.
Questions this report answers
01What is the Metropolitan Police assessing?
The Metropolitan Police are assessing a social media post made by Sarah Helm, wife of national security adviser Jonathan Powell. The post referenced the banned protest group Palestine Action.
02What is Palestine Action?
Palestine Action is a direct action protest group that was banned on July 5, 2025. Membership or support for the group is now a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
03Have terror arrests increased since the ban?
Yes, terror arrests have surged significantly. In the year to June, 3,867 arrests were made for suspected terrorist activity, with 94% linked to supporting Palestine Action, compared to 234 arrests in the previous year.
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