Sally Rooney's Publisher Withdraws Books from UK Sale Over Support for Palestine Action

Irish novelist Sally Rooney has stated that her books will no longer be sold in the United Kingdom because of her support for Palestine Action, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the British government.

Faber, Rooney's publisher, confirmed that the ban created a situation where they could not transfer UK earnings to the author for her work. "To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher," Faber said in a statement. "As such, and in full agreement with Sally, we have taken the decision that we can no longer supply her works in the U.K. in any format."

Rooney, 35, who has authored four novels including "Conversations with Friends" and "Normal People," both of which were adapted for television, said the decision was made with her full agreement. "I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions, and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences," she stated.

Rooney has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian causes. In August 2025, she wrote in The Irish Times, "I too support Palestine Action. If this makes me a ‘supporter of terror’ under U.K. law, so be it." She had indicated her intention to use proceeds from her novels and television fees to continue supporting the group.

The British government outlawed Palestine Action after activists from the group entered a Royal Air Force base in June 2025 to protest UK military backing for Israel's actions in Gaza. The ban classifies membership in or support for the group as a criminal offense, potentially punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Since the group was outlawed, more than 3,000 individuals have been arrested, with over 1,200 charged under the Terrorism Act, though no convictions have yet occurred. Civil liberties organizations have voiced concerns that the ban and subsequent arrests infringe upon the rights to protest and free speech.

Palestine Action's lawyers are scheduled to present a case to the UK Supreme Court next month seeking to overturn the ban. All legal proceedings against individuals charged under the ban have been suspended pending the court's ruling.