Sarah Helm Cleared: UK Police Drop Palestine Action Post

UK police have cleared Sarah Helm, the journalist and author married to UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell, over a social media post about the proscribed group Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police said specialist officers assessed Helm's post on X and concluded it did not meet the criminal threshold.

Helm wrote on Thursday 15 October 2026: God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action. The message was posted as part of a discussion about novelist Sally Rooney, whose books are being withheld from UK booksellers after she said she would donate royalties to the group. On Saturday 17 October 2026, the Met said no further police action would be taken.

Why the Sarah Helm post drew police attention

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK on 5 July 2025 under the Terrorism Act 2000. Expressing support for the group is a criminal offence carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Since the ban, British police have arrested more than 3,070 people for alleged support of Palestine Action, according to reporting by Amnesty International and campaign groups.

The case drew complaints from the Campaign Against Antisemitism, which argued the post raised serious questions for Powell and the government. Reform UK MP Danny Kruger wrote to the prime minister seeking answers. Downing Street distanced itself from Helm's remarks, saying she does not represent the government.

Police reasoning: why no further action?

The Met's specialist counter-terrorism officers assessed the post and found insufficient evidence that it could encourage support for a proscribed organisation. This reflects a broader legal test under UK terror legislation, which requires more than an expression of opinion or a statement of sympathy. The decision closes a case that had highlighted tensions in how police enforce the Palestine Action proscription.

Context: Sally Rooney and the book boycott

Helm's post responded to a Sky News discussion about novelist Sally Rooney. Rooney said she would donate royalties to Palestine Action, prompting her publisher Faber to stop supplying her novels, including Normal People, to UK booksellers. Rooney's stance has sparked a wider Sally Rooney book boycott debate among UK readers. The episode has become a flashpoint in debates about online speech policing and the boundaries of support for banned groups.

What the decision means for the national security adviser

Jonathan Powell has served as UK national security adviser since 2024 under Keir Starmer and continued under Andy Burnham in 2026. His wife's post placed the national security adviser role under unusual scrutiny. Downing Street's quick distancing suggested officials wanted to separate personal expression from government policy.

Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski defended Helm and called for the de-proscription of Palestine Action, while critics argued the post was incompatible with the office of the national security adviser. The episode reflects wider scrutiny of protest-related policing and free expression in the UK.

Timeline of the Palestine Action ban

• 5 July 2025 – UK government proscribes Palestine Action as a terrorist group.
• 13 February 2026 – High Court rules proscription unlawful but temporarily stays decision.
• 15 June 2026 – Court of Appeal overturns High Court and upholds ban.
• 29 July 2026 – Supreme Court grants permission to appeal on one ground.
• 4–5 November 2026 – Supreme Court appeal scheduled to be heard.

Impact and wider implications

The police decision closes one case but does not resolve the broader legal and political arguments. Campaigners say the ban has criminalised peaceful protest and created a chilling effect on free expression. Government ministers maintain the proscription is necessary to protect national security. The upcoming Supreme Court appeal could reshape how the UK applies terrorism laws to protest groups.

Civil liberties groups, including Amnesty International, have criticised the number of arrests for alleged support of Palestine Action. The case of Sarah Helm police clearance is likely to be cited in future debates about proportionality and online expression.

FAQ: Sarah Helm and Palestine Action police decision

What did Sarah Helm post about Palestine Action?

Helm wrote on X: God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action. She was responding to discussion about author Sally Rooney.

Why did UK police decide to take no further action?

The Metropolitan Police said specialist officers assessed the post and concluded it did not meet the criminal threshold, with insufficient evidence it could encourage support for a proscribed organisation.

Is Palestine Action banned in the UK?

Yes. Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation on 5 July 2025 under the Terrorism Act 2000. Support carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.

What happens next in the legal fight over the ban?

The UK Supreme Court is due to hear an appeal on 4–5 November 2026 over whether the Home Secretary applied her policy appropriately when proscribing the group.

Did the government comment on Sarah Helm's post?

Downing Street said Helm does not represent the government, distancing itself from her remarks.