The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are currently assessing a social media post authored by Sarah Helm, the wife of a high-ranking security aide to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. The investigation follows public backlash regarding Helm’s online commentary concerning the author Sally Rooney.

Rooney recently faced criticism and the removal of her books from certain retailers after announcing that royalties from her work would be donated to Palestine Action. Palestine Action is a protest group that has been designated as a proscribed terror group by the UK government. Helm used the social media platform X to express her frustration regarding the withdrawal of these books, a stance that prompted scrutiny into whether her comments crossed legal thresholds regarding support for a proscribed organization.

While the Metropolitan Police have stated they are determining if further investigation is warranted, no charges have been filed. The situation highlights the ongoing tension in the UK regarding public discourse surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the legal boundaries of expressing support for groups labeled as extremist by the state. The involvement of a figure connected to a high-profile political office has amplified the attention surrounding the post, as authorities balance the right to free speech against laws prohibiting the promotion of proscribed entities.