Science & Technology · 8 Advanced · October 18, 2026

Author's Palestine Support Triggers UK Police Review

Photo: Palestine Action (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Vocabulary

proscribed /prəˈskraɪbd/ adjective

officially forbidden or prohibited by law or authority

The organisation was proscribed as a terrorist group, making financial support for it a serious crime.

solidarity /sɑːˈlɪdærəti/ noun

unity or agreement based on shared interests, ideals, or sympathies

Helm's post expressed solidarity with authors facing criticism for their political views.

designated /ˈdɛzɪɡneɪtɪd/ adjective

officially assigned, appointed, or identified for a specific purpose or category

Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organisation by the British government.

Article

Sarah Helm, wife of the UK's national security adviser, posted on social media expressing solidarity with authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action. Her post referred to a controversy involving best-selling novelist Sally Rooney, who announced plans to donate her book royalties to Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July 2025. The Metropolitan Police initially assessed Helm's statement but ultimately determined it did not constitute a criminal offense.

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