Sarah Helm is speaking 'common sense' on Palestine Action, says Zack Polanski

Prominent journalist and author Sarah Helm has remained defiant after pro-Israel groups urged the Metropolitan Police to investigate her over an X post backing Sally Rooney, the Irish author whose books are being withdrawn from the UK market over her support of Palestine Action. Helm is the wife of Jonathan Powell, who served as former prime minister Keir Starmer's adviser on national security, foreign policy and intelligence - and remained in the role when Burnham become prime minister. Responding to the journalist Adam Boulton, who on Sky News on Thursday criticised Rooney and accused her of taking a "very strong pro-Palestine, and, I have to say, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish stance", Helm posted: "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action. Sounds like Adam would have all our books swept off the shelves in a jiffy." Campaign Against Antisemitism, a group that has been accused of targeting critics of Israel, called on the police to investigate Helm and make her "face the full force of the law". But Green Party leader Zack Polanski told Middle East Eye: "Sarah Helm is speaking absolute common sense and should be commended for her bravery. Read more: Sarah Helm doubles down as pro-Israel groups urge police action and Zack Polanski praises her 'bravery'