Updated

The Metropolitan Police said on October 17, 2026 that a social media post by journalist Sarah Helm, wife of UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell, expressing support for Irish author Sally Rooney and the proscribed group Palestine Action did not meet the criminal threshold for investigation. Helm had posted 'God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action' after Rooney's books began being withdrawn from UK shops. Pro-Israel groups had urged police action against Helm, while Green Party figure Zack Polanski praised her as speaking 'common sense' and showing 'bravery,' with Helm remaining defiant despite the pressure.