Sarah Helm doubles down as pro-Israel groups urge police action and Zack Polanski praises her 'bravery'

Key Points:

• Journalist Sarah Helm faces calls from pro-Israel groups and Campaign Against Antisemitism for a police investigation over her social media support for author Sally Rooney and Palestine Action, a proscribed group in the UK.
• Helm, a former foreign correspondent and critic of Israeli policies, defended her stance, citing historical perspectives and condemning the treatment of Palestinians, while the Metropolitan Police are assessing the post for potential investigation.
• The UK Labour government proscribed Palestine Action in July 2025, criminalizing support for the group with severe penalties, a move widely criticized by human rights organizations and resulting in numerous arrests.
• Sally Rooney has withdrawn her books from the UK market after pledging to donate proceeds to Palestine Action, fearing arrest, highlighting tensions around free expression and government policy on Palestine advocacy.
• Green Party leader Zack Polanski and other critics argue for the de-proscription of Palestine Action, framing current government actions as authoritarian, while Downing Street distances itself from Helm’s views, emphasizing they do not represent official policy.