Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has raised concerns about whether Jonathan Powell, the National Security Advisor, can continue in his role following his wife's social media references to Palestine Action. According to BBC News, the shadow home affairs minister has written to the prime minister questioning the sustainability of Powell's position, even though the Metropolitan Police determined no criminal action was warranted over his wife's posts.
A Downing Street spokeswoman responded to the controversy by stating:
These views are held by an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity.
Sarah Helm, Powell's wife, posted on X on Thursday that
God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action,in response to a discussion about author Sally Rooney. Rooney, who wrote The Normal People, announced she would withhold her books from UK booksellers and direct her royalties to Palestine Action in protest over the group's proscription.
What prompted the police investigation?
The Metropolitan Police examined Helm's social media post and concluded it
did not meet the criminal threshold,leading to the matter being dropped on Saturday. However, this police decision has not satisfied Conservative concerns about the appropriateness of the National Security Advisor's family publicly endorsing a proscribed organisation.
Why is Kearns questioning Powell's position?
Kearns has written to the prime minister expressing alarm about the handling of sensitive national security information. She specifically asked whether the government has investigated the posts and whether the prime minister retains full confidence in his adviser. In her statement to the BBC, Kearns said:
We cannot have the NSA's wife tweeting about what decisions her husband has or hasn't made.
Her concerns extend beyond the immediate social media posts. According to The Telegraph, Kearns cited additional concerns about Powell's relationship with the Chinese Communist Party, the collapse of the China spy case, the Chagos Islands dispute, and the Peter Mandelson affair. The Telegraph also reported that shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood joined Conservative voices calling for Powell to resign, urging the prime minister to act to restore confidence in the post.
What is Palestine Action's legal status?
Palestine Action was designated as a proscribed terror organisation last year, making it a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment to belong to or support the group. The proscription followed damage to military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, with losses estimated at £7 million. However, the High Court has indicated the ban might conflict with free-expression rights and suggested the Home Secretary could have consulted Palestine Action before imposing it. The group remains proscribed while its legal challenge proceeds.
An appeal against the proscription is due to be heard by the Supreme Court, with the hearing expected after the summer break. The appeal process has already extended for more than a year, and the case has been expedited through the court system.
What has Helm said about the ban?
Helm has separately called for Palestine Action to be
unbanned,according to The Telegraph. When asked on X whether Powell had been involved in the decision to ban Palestine Action, Helm replied
Nope and nope.Kearns subsequently questioned whether this post itself disclosed government decision-making processes. Powell has been reported as continuing his work as national security adviser despite the mounting pressure.
Key Facts
- Palestine Action was proscribed as a terror organisation in 2025 following damage to RAF Brize Norton estimated at £7 million
- Supporting a proscribed organisation carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment
- The Supreme Court appeal against the proscription is scheduled to proceed after the summer recess
- Both Conservative and Labour figures have called for Powell to resign over the controversy
- The Metropolitan Police investigation into Helm's posts concluded they did not meet the criminal threshold
