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Police are assessing post by national security adviser Jonathan Powell's wife after she appeared to back banned terror group

Police are assessing post by national security adviser Jonathan Powell's wife after she appeared to back banned terror group

Sarah Helm, 69, a journalist and author married to Prime Minister Andy Burnham's national security adviser Jonathan Powell, posted on X: "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action." Supporting Palestine Action — proscribed under terrorism laws in July 2025 — carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Downing Street distanced itself from Helm's remarks, saying she "does not represent the government in any capacity." The Metropolitan Police confirmed the post is being assessed to determine whether a criminal investigation is required.

Powell, one of Downing Street's most senior officials, has led Britain's diplomatic negotiations with Israel, making his wife's apparent endorsement of the banned group acutely sensitive.

Campaign Against Antisemitism called the post "gobsmacking" and demanded Powell publicly denounce the remarks "if he is to continue in post."

Helm was responding to criticism of Irish novelist Sally Rooney, whose publisher Faber removed her books from UK sale after Rooney pledged proceeds to Palestine Action.

Moreorder-order.comNational Security Adviser’s Wife Appears to Back Palestine ActionThe GuardianUK national security adviser under pressure over wife’s comment on supporting Palestine ActionDaily Mail NewsOutrage as wife of Andy Burnham's national security adviser expresses support for banned terror group Palestine ActionThe TelegraphNational security adviser’s wife accused of backing Palestine Action - The TelegraphJewish News (GNews)National security adviser’s wife appears to back banned terror groupthenational.scotWife of Andy BurnhamAl JazeeraUK PM adviser’s wife expresses ‘support’ for Palestine Action - Al JazeeraThe Jerusalem PostUK expands sanction powers, enabling action against companies supporting West Bank settlements - The Jerusalem PostDawnWife of UK PM top adviser in row over Palestine Action postBBC NewsPolice assess Palestine Action post by national security adviser's wifeThe IndependentNational security adviser’s wife accused of supporting Palestine ActionThe Jewish ChronicleWife of UK national security adviser accused of ‘gobsmacking’ support for Palestine Action
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