Andy Burnham urged by Labour group to sack his national security adviser after his wife expressed support for banned terror group Palestine Action

Labour Against Antisemitism has urged Andy Burnham to dismiss his National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, over comments by Powell’s wife, author Sarah Helm. The group says her remarks raise security concerns and include anti-Jewish comments; the dispute has also prompted questions from Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians about Powell’s role and access to sensitive information.

Helm was investigated by police after posting support for Palestine Action, which was proscribed in July 2025, but officers took no further action because the post did not meet the criminal threshold. She has also referred to “the Jewish lobby” and said Powell was not involved in the decision to proscribe the group, while footage appears to show her discussing his work at home. Burnham’s spokesman said he has confidence in Powell and that Helm’s views are personal and do not represent the Government.