Kearns Questions Powell’s Role After Wife’s Palestine Action Post

Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham questioning whether Jonathan Powell should remain national security adviser after social media comments by his wife, author Sarah Helm, about support for Palestine Action. Kearns asked how sensitive information was being handled, whether the posts had been examined and whether Burnham retained confidence in Powell. She also raised concern about Helm discussing her husband’s decisions online. Downing Street said Helm spoke in a personal capacity and had no government role. Palestine Action was proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 in July 2025.