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Conservative Member of Parliament Alicia Kearns has voiced doubts about whether Jonathan Powell should continue serving as the National Security Advisor following social media posts made by his wife, Sarah Helm, that referenced Palestine Action. Despite the Metropolitan Police deciding that no criminal action was warranted regarding Helm’s remarks, Kearns has expressed her concerns directly to the prime minister.
The shadow home affairs minister wrote to question the appropriateness of Powell’s role under the circumstances, highlighting the sensitive nature of the situation. A spokesperson from Downing Street responded by clarifying that Helm’s opinions are her own and that she holds no official government position. On social media platform X, Helm had posted, “God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action,” a comment made in the context of a conversation about writer Sally Rooney.
Rooney recently announced her decision to withhold her books from UK retailers after declaring she would donate her royalties to support Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police reviewed Helm’s post but concluded that it did not meet the threshold for criminality, resulting in the case being closed. Nonetheless, Kearns has approached Andy Burnham to question the government’s approach to managing sensitive national security information, requesting clarification on whether Powell’s continued role is appropriate given the controversy.
Kearns emphasized to the BBC the potential risks involved, stating, “We cannot have the NSA’s wife tweeting about what decisions her husband has or hasn’t made.” Palestine Action, the group referenced by Helm and supported by Rooney, was designated a terrorist organization last year, with membership or support carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison. The group is currently appealing its proscription in a case set to be heard by the Supreme Court next month, marking the continuation of a legal battle that has persisted for more than a year
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