Why no action will be taken against PM aide’s wife over Palestine Action post

Police review ends without action

The Metropolitan police said the post had been assessed by specialist officers. They concluded it did not meet the criminal threshold, so no further police action would follow.

Earlier, police had said the post was being assessed to establish whether more investigation was needed. It is understood officers found insufficient evidence that it could encourage support for a proscribed organisation.

Helm and Jonathan Powell

Helm is the wife of Jonathan Powell, the prime minister’s national security adviser. The case arose from an accusation that her post showed support for Palestine Action. The group said spouses could hold independent views, while arguing that Helm’s post raised serious questions for Powell and the government. The police decision was based on whether the post met the criminal threshold.

Government response to the post

A government spokesperson said Helm’s views were those of an individual and did not represent the government in any capacity. The statement separated her personal position from the government’s.

The police announcement means there will be no further action over this post. It does not alter the group’s banned status described in the report.