Police assess Palestine Action post by security adviser's wife
UK police are assessing a social media post by Sarah Helm, wife of national security adviser Jonathan Powell, referencing Palestine Action.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Metropolitan Police are assessing an X post by Sarah Helm, wife of the national security adviser.
- The post referenced Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organization in the UK.
- Reform UK MP Danny Kruger wrote to the prime minister to raise concerns over the post.
- Number 10 stated that Helm is an individual who does not represent the government.
London's Metropolitan Police are currently reviewing a social media post published on X by Sarah Helm, the wife of the government's national security adviser Jonathan Powell. The post referenced Palestine Action, a controversial group that has been officially labeled a terrorist organization by the Home Office, with authorities evaluating whether further police investigation is warranted following the publication on Thursday, 15 October.
In her post, Helm wrote, "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action." Her statement was a reaction to a Sky News discussion concerning novelist Sally Rooney, whose books will reportedly be withheld from UK booksellers after she announced plans to channel her book royalties into supporting Palestine Action.
A Downing Street spokeswoman clarified that Helm is an individual who acts independently and does not represent the government in any official capacity. Meanwhile, the BBC has made attempts to reach out to Helm directly to secure a comment regarding the unfolding situation.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The online remarks quickly drew political backlash, prompting Danny Kruger, a Reform UK Member of Parliament, to formally write to the prime minister to voice his concerns regarding the post. Additionally, the Campaign Against Antisemitism criticized the remarks, describing the online statement as astonishing.
This development highlights the intense political scrutiny surrounding figures connected to government officials amid heightened tensions over the Middle East conflict. The strict enforcement of counter-terrorism laws regarding proscribed groups in the UK means that even indirect public expressions of solidarity by public-adjacent figures can trigger immediate institutional and legal evaluations.
Conversely, Green Party leader Zack Polanski offered a contrasting view, stating that Helm was expressing common sense and deserved praise for her outspokenness. Helm maintains a professional background as an author and journalist, having previously contributed to the Sunday Times and served as a foreign correspondent for the Independent.
"Sarah Helm is speaking absolute common sense and should be commended for her bravery."
Zack Polanski
Earlier this year, four activists associated with Palestine Action were handed prison sentences after causing 1.2 million pounds worth of damage at a UK facility operated by an Israel-linked defense contractor. The government's proscription order makes membership or support of the group a criminal offense carrying up to 14 years behind bars. This legal designation sparked widespread protests across the country, leading to approximately 3,700 arrests for public displays of support, with around 2,500 individuals charged. However, trials have been delayed pending a legal challenge against the proscription scheduled to be heard in the Supreme Court next month.
Source: BBC Politics
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