Key facts
- Police are assessing a social media post by Sarah Helm, wife of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.
- Helm appeared to express support for Palestine Action, a group banned as a terrorist organization.
- Expressing support for Palestine Action is a criminal offense in the UK.
- Palestine Action was proscribed under terrorism laws last year.
- Hundreds of writers have signed an open letter supporting Sally Rooney, whose books were removed from UK sale due to royalty donations to Palestine Action.
British police are assessing a social media post made by Sarah Helm, wife of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, after she appeared to express support for Palestine Action. Helm, a journalist and author, posted on X in response to Irish novelist 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.
Under UK terror laws, expressing support for Palestine Action, which was proscribed last year, could constitute a criminal offense. Downing Street has distanced itself from Helm’s post, stating her views do not represent the government. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has called for Helm to face legal consequences and for Powell to publicly denounce her rhetoric.
Meanwhile, hundreds of writers have signed an open letter supporting Rooney, warning that a country banning its writers for speaking out is not free. Rooney stated she was prepared to accept consequences for her decision.