Metropolitan Police reviews journalist Sarah Helm's tweet supporting Palestine Action
Journalist Sarah Helm, married to national security adviser Jonathan Powell, posted on X a comment that appeared to back the outlawed Palestine Action group and linked it to Irish novelist Sally Rooney’s boycott of UK book sales. The tweet has prompted a review by the Metropolitan Police to determine whether any further police action is required under terrorism legislation that criminalises support for the proscribed group.
Earlier, UK publishers withdrew Rooney’s titles after she pledged aid to Palestine Action, prompting Helm to defend the author publicly. The case highlights the tension between anti‑terrorism laws and freedom of expression in the UK.
Why it matters
It shows how anti‑terrorism legislation is being applied to public statements and the potential impact on authors and journalists.
How this story developed
- Oct 14 Sally Rooney's UK publishing halted after endorsing proscribed Palestine Action
- Oct 15 Faber & Faber announced it will keep selling Rooney's books outside the United Kingdom.
- Oct 16 Sarah Helm, wife of national security adviser Jonathan Powell, publicly backed Sally Rooney after UK publishers withdrew Rooney's books because of her support for Palestine Action.
- Oct 18 The Metropolitan Police announced a review of Helm's tweet to assess possible police action.
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