Kearns Challenges Powell's Security Role After Wife's Posts

Britain's national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, faces renewed questions about his position after his wife, journalist and author Sarah Helm, publicly defended Palestine Action and called for the group's ban to be lifted. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has written to the prime minister questioning Powell's continued suitability for the role, despite police concluding that Helm's social media post did not meet the criminal threshold for further action.

The dispute has raised questions about national security vetting, the separation of personal political views from government responsibilities, and the enforcement of Britain's terrorism legislation. Downing Street has maintained that Helm does not represent the government, while reports have also suggested Powell has considered leaving his position because of exhaustion and stress.

Helm's initial post appeared on X on October 15, 2026, during a debate over Irish novelist Sally Rooney's decision to withdraw her books from the UK market. Rooney had pledged to direct royalties to Palestine Action, raising concerns that transferring proceeds from UK book sales could constitute a criminal offense under the group's proscription.

Helm wrote: "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action."

The Metropolitan Police assessed the post before deciding on Saturday, October 17, that it did not meet the criminal threshold. On October 19, Helm subsequently asked where she could sign a letter demanding that the ban be revoked.

In her correspondence to the prime minister, Kearns questioned whether the government had investigated the posts and whether Powell retained the government's full confidence. She argued that the national security adviser's responsibilities made the matter particularly sensitive.

"We cannot have the NSA's wife tweeting about what decisions her husband has or hasn't made," Kearns told the BBC.

Powell was appointed national security adviser in 2024 under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His responsibilities include sensitive national security matters and diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, including discussions concerning the future of the British consulate in Jerusalem.

A Downing Street spokesperson sought to separate Helm's personal opinions from official government policy.

"These views are held by an individual who does not represent the government in any capacity," the spokesperson said.

The same position was reiterated as questions mounted over Powell's future. The government has indicated that he would continue in his role, while the police decision meant Helm would not face further action over the October post.

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organization in 2025. Under the relevant legislation, membership of or support for a proscribed organization can carry a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. The group came under scrutiny after two members broke into RAF Brize Norton and spray-painted two military aircraft red, according to reporting by The Telegraph.

The ban has also prompted a broader dispute over freedom of expression. The Guardian reported that 419 writers, poets, editors and illustrators signed an open letter supporting Rooney and criticizing the consequences of the government's approach. Signatories included Ali Smith, Kamila Shamsie, Robert Macfarlane and Jeanette Winterson.

Supporters of the ban's repeal have argued that expressing political support should not automatically be treated as terrorism. Conversely, the Campaign Against Antisemitism has called for scrutiny of Helm's statements and raised concerns about potential implications for confidence in the national security adviser.

The legal challenge to Palestine Action's proscription is scheduled to be heard by the UK Supreme Court next month. The proceedings will address the continuing dispute over the ban as pressure on Powell and the government develops.