UK cops looking into post supporting Palestine Action by wife of Burnham’s top security aide

British police announced on Friday that they are evaluating a social media post made by Sarah Helm, the wife of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, for expressing support for Palestine Action, a group banned as a terrorist organization by the UK government in July 2025. The post was made in response to X user Sally Rooney's announcement that her books would no longer be sold in Britain due to her plans to use royalties to support Palestine Action. In the post, Helm said, "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action."

The Metropolitan Police spokesperson revealed that the post is being assessed to determine if further police investigation is necessary. A government spokeswoman clarified that these views belong to an individual not representing the government.

The Labour government's prohibition of the Palestine Action group implies that expressing support or membership for it is a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Human rights organizations have criticized the ban as severe. Since its implementation, thousands of people have been arrested for displaying support for the group, such as displaying placards.