Met Police clear national security adviser’s wife of criminal liability over Palestine Action post

Key points

• Metropolitan Police stated on Saturday that Sarah Helm’s post on X did not meet the criminal threshold, ending the assessment process.
• Helm, wife of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, posted 'God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action' in response to criticism of author Sally Rooney.
• Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organization in July 2025, making support a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
• Sally Rooney’s books were withdrawn from UK sale by publisher Faber after she announced she would donate royalties to the proscribed group.
• Downing Street stated that Helm’s views are held by an individual and do not represent the government in any capacity.

Background

This incident follows earlier coverage from October 16-17, 2026, which reported that the Met Police were actively assessing Helm’s post. Previous reports highlighted calls for Powell to resign or denounce the views, while the government maintained that Helm did not represent the state. The broader context includes the proscription of Palestine Action in July 2025, which has led to over 3,500 arrests in the UK, many for holding placards, according to Amnesty International. A Supreme Court challenge to the ban is pending, and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has indicated the government is reviewing the proscription.

How outlets are covering it

BBC reported the final police decision, emphasizing the lack of criminal threshold. Al Jazeera highlighted the government’s stance that Helm does not represent the state and noted the arrests of 3,500 people since the ban. Middle East Eye focused on the political fallout, noting pro-Israel groups like the Campaign Against Antisemitism called for her arrest, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski praised her 'bravery'. The Telegraph source was inaccessible due to a security block. Outlets differed in emphasis: BBC focused on the legal outcome, Al Jazeera on the broader proscription context, and Middle East Eye on the political polarization and Helm’s background as a former foreign correspondent.

Why it matters

The case underscores the severe consequences of the Palestine Action proscription, which has criminalized speech and support for the group. The involvement of a high-profile figure like the national security adviser’s wife highlights the tension between free speech and counter-terrorism laws in the UK. The decision not to prosecute Helm may signal a shift in how the police apply the proscription, especially given the thousands of arrests for minor offenses like holding placards. It also reflects the ongoing debate over the ban’s legality and proportionality, with a Supreme Court challenge pending.

What to watch

The Metropolitan Police will not pursue further action against Sarah Helm. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of the Palestine Action proscription. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has indicated the government is reviewing the ban, potentially leading to changes in policy. Sally Rooney’s books remain withdrawn from UK sale, and the debate over the proscription’s impact on free speech and civil liberties continues.