British police said on Friday they were assessing a social media post after the wife of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell appeared to express support for Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian group which was banned as a "terrorist" organisation by the UK government in July 2025.
Journalist and author Sarah Helm, who is married to Powell, responded on X to a post about the Irish novelist Sally Rooney, who this week announced her books would no longer be sold in Britain over her plans to use her royalties to support Palestine Action.
Helm said in the post: "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action."
In response, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the post was "being assessed to determine whether any further police investigation may be required".
Asked for comment, a government spokeswoman said: "These views are held by an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity."
The Labour government’s proscription of the Palestine Action group means that expressing support for it or being a member is a criminal offence carrying a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Human rights organisations have widely denounced the ban as draconian.
Thousands of people have been arrested since it came into effect for holding placards expressing support for the group.
God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action. Sounds like Adam would have all our books swept off the shelves in a jiffy.
— Sarah Helm (@SarahHelm1) October 15, 2026