Wife of Andy Burnham's national security adviser faces no further action over tweet that appeared to support banned terror group Palestine Action

As of October 17, 2026, UK police have determined that no further action will be taken against Sarah Helm, the wife of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s national security adviser Jonathan Powell, after she posted on social media referencing Palestine Action. On X (formerly Twitter), Helm wrote: "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action," in response to a discussion about Irish author Sally Rooney's decision not to sell her books in Britain due to her support for the banned group.

Palestine Action was proscribed under terrorism laws in July 2025, making membership or support of the group illegal. Initially, police assessed Helm’s post to determine if it warranted further investigation, but after review by specialist officers, they concluded that the post did not meet the criminal threshold for prosecution.

The Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated on October 17: "It was determined that it did not meet the criminal threshold. No further action will be taken." While some groups like The Campaign Against Antisemitism called for Helm to face legal consequences, police ruled out any investigation based on insufficient evidence of encouragement for support of a proscribed organization.

Downing Street has distanced itself from Helm’s remarks, noting: "These views are held by an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity."