Downing Street has distanced itself from remarks made by Sarah Helm, the wife of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, following a social media post regarding the group Palestine Action. On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Ms. Helm wrote on X, "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action." The statement followed reports that author Sally Rooney would no longer have her books sold in the United Kingdom by her publisher, Faber, due to her support for the organization.
The group Palestine Action was designated a banned organization under U.K. law on July 5, 2025. Membership in or support for the group is a criminal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. The group states its goal is to end global participation in what it describes as Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime. In August 2025, the United States government also sanctioned the organization, designating it as a terror group.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism has called for a police investigation into Ms. Helm’s comments. A spokesperson for the campaign stated that while spouses are entitled to independent views, Mr. Powell should publicly denounce the rhetoric to remain in his post as national security adviser. A government spokesperson responded by stating that Ms. Helm’s views are held by an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity.
The impact extends to the creative and publishing industries, as evidenced by the case of author Sally Rooney. Because Rooney previously pledged to donate earnings from her books and television adaptations to Palestine Action, her publisher determined it could no longer legally sell her novels in Britain.
Further developments depend on whether the Metropolitan Police initiate a formal investigation into Ms. Helm's social media post. While the government has stated she does not represent the state, the Campaign Against Antisemitism maintains that the situation raises questions regarding the office of the National Security Adviser. The Metropolitan Police have been approached for comment, but as of October 16, 2026, no charges have been reported in relation to this incident. Individuals facing charges under the July 2025 ban will continue to move through the judicial system as courts interpret the scope of the legislation.