Writer Sarah Helm has urged Britain to lift its ban on Palestine Action before a Supreme Court hearing, as the designation also affects how a major publisher supplies books.
In an Oct. 19 post on X, Helm sought a way to sign a letter calling for the group’s removal from the list of organizations banned under terrorism law. Helm is married to Jonathan Powell, the prime minister’s National Security Adviser.
Her statement followed a Metropolitan Police review of a separate post she made on Oct. 15. The force said specialist officers found that post fell below the threshold for criminal action and decided on Oct. 17 that no further action would be taken.
The ban took effect July 5, 2025. The Home Office said it designated Palestine Action because the group’s attacks on businesses and defense facilities met the standard for proscription, a formal ban under terrorism law. The department said peaceful protest for Palestinian rights remained protected.
Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 makes inviting support for a proscribed organization an offense. It also covers supportive views expressed recklessly as to whether they will encourage others to back the group.
The designation has also affected publishing. On Oct. 14, Faber said it would stop supplying Sally Rooney’s books in the UK with the Irish novelist’s agreement. The publisher said current UK legislation had left it unable to pass on her earnings from UK sales.
Faber’s decision concerns new supply. The Booksellers Association said stores could continue selling copies they already held after confirming the position with the publisher.
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori has challenged the designation. The High Court ruled the decision to proscribe the group unlawful, but the Court of Appeal reversed that finding. The Supreme Court granted Ammori permission to appeal on one ground.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for Nov. 4-5, 2026, on whether the government’s proscription decision was lawful. The court says the dates are subject to change.
