Police are assessing a social media post by Sarah Helm, wife of the government's national security adviser Jonathan Powell, after she expressed support for Palestine Action on X.
Helm wrote: "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action." She made the comment while responding to a Sky News discussion about author Sally Rooney, whose UK publishers withdrew her books following her announcement to donate royalties to Palestine Action.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said on Friday that the post, made on Thursday 15 October, was "in the process of being assessed to determine whether any further police investigation may be required."
The UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in 2025, making it a criminal offence to support or belong to the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The group describes itself as a "direct action movement" using "disruptive tactics." Earlier this year, four activists were jailed after causing 1.2 million pounds of damage at a UK site of an Israel-based defence firm.
Downing Street said Helm "is an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity." The BBC attempted to contact her for comment.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism called Helm's post "gobsmacking" and said Powell, "who leads on our country's national security and has been intricately involved in our Middle East diplomacy, must publicly denounce this rhetoric if he is to continue in post."
Reform UK MP Danny Kruger wrote to the prime minister raising concerns about the post.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski defended Helm, saying she was "speaking absolute common sense and should be commended for her bravery." He called for Palestine Action to be de-proscribed "immediately."
Helm is an author and journalist who previously worked at the Sunday Times and as a foreign correspondent for the Independent. Powell, a former diplomat, served as adviser in Tony Blair's government and is credited with negotiating a Northern Ireland peace deal. Prime Minister Andy Burnham retained him as national security adviser following his 2024 appointment by Sir Keir Starmer.
A legal challenge to the proscription is due to be heard in the Supreme Court next month.