Sarah Helm police investigation has concluded with no further action after the Metropolitan Police reviewed a social media post in which the journalist and author referenced the proscribed group Palestine Action.
Helm, who is married to the prime minister’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, wrote on X on Thursday: “God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action.”
On Friday, the Metropolitan Police said the post was being assessed to determine whether any further inquiry might be required. In an update on Saturday, a spokesperson said specialist officers had reviewed the content and determined it did not meet the criminal threshold, so no additional police action would be taken.
Helm’s comment followed an online discussion about Irish author Sally Rooney, who has said she can no longer sell her books in the UK because of her support for Palestine Action. It is understood there was insufficient evidence that Helm’s post could be construed as encouraging support for a proscribed organisation.
Palestine Action was banned in July 2025, making membership of or support for the direct action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Downing Street has distanced itself from Helm’s remarks. Earlier, a government spokesperson said the views were those of a private individual who does not represent the government in any capacity.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism had urged police to investigate. While acknowledging that spouses are entitled to independent views, the group said the post raised serious questions for Jonathan Powell and the government and argued that anyone appearing to express support for a proscribed terrorist organisation should face the full force of the law.
Sarah Helm police investigation and official responses
The force’s decision to close the case follows the assessment by specialist officers that the post did not amount to a criminal offence. According to officials, the threshold for prosecuting alleged encouragement of support for a proscribed group was not met.