Outrage as wife of Andy Burnham’s national security adviser expresses support for banned terror group Palestine Action

Author and journalist Sarah Helm drew criticism after posting that she and other authors support Palestine Action, a group proscribed under UK law. Her comment, made during a debate about novelist Sally Rooney’s support for the group, has prompted calls for a police investigation and raised questions about Helm’s husband, senior government aide Jonathan Powell, and his role in national security and Middle East diplomacy.

The article says membership of or support for a proscribed organisation can carry a prison sentence of up to 14 years. More than 3,700 people have been arrested for expressing support for Palestine Action since its proscription took effect on 5 July 2025, including an elderly human rights barrister and a retired priest. A government spokeswoman said Helm’s views were those of an individual and did not represent the Government.