Sally Rooney books withdrawn from UK sale over Palestine Action support

Irish novelist Sally Rooney’s books are no longer being distributed in the United Kingdom, her publisher Faber announced on Wednesday. The decision follows Rooney’s public statement that she uses proceeds from her books and television adaptations to financially support Palestine Action, a group banned as a terrorist organization by the UK government in July 2025.

Publisher and Author Statements

Faber stated that it had "taken the decision that we can no longer supply her works in the U.K. in any format" because paying Rooney’s royalties could violate the terror ban. The publisher noted that the decision was made with Rooney’s agreement.

Rooney, 35, is the author of four novels, including "Normal People" and "Conversations with Friends," which have sold millions of copies and were adapted for television by the BBC. In a statement regarding the withdrawal, Rooney said, "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."

Impact on Booksellers

The announcement created uncertainty for British bookstores regarding whether selling existing stock constituted a legal violation. The Booksellers Association later clarified the situation, stating it had "confirmed with Faber that whilst those titles are no longer available to U.K. bookshops to order, they can continue to sell their existing stock within the U.K. market."

Despite the clarification, some retailers attempted to purchase additional inventory before supply ceased. Lucy Burke, a bookseller at London’s Camden Town Bookshop, said, "We were thinking, we’ll just get a whole bunch before we stop being able to... But now it seems like what we have is all we’re going to have." Burke described the situation as "absolutely ridiculous" and characterized it as censorship of "one of our most prominent writers."

Legal Context of Palestine Action Ban

Palestine Action was founded in 2020 with the aim of stopping UK military support for Israel. The group states it aims to disrupt "corporate enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex." The UK government banned the group in July 2025, making membership or support a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The government asserts that Palestine Action has "carried out acts of terrorism, celebrated those who took part in them and promoted the use of violence." The Home Office stated, "The proscription of Palestine Action does not affect lawful protest in support of the Palestinian cause, which remains a fundamental democratic right."

The ban is currently subject to legal challenge. The High Court ruled in February that classing Palestine Action as a terror group was disproportionate and unlawful, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision in June, stating the ban was "justified and proportionate." Lawyers for the group are scheduled to ask the UK Supreme Court to quash the ban next month.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between free speech, protest rights, and anti-terrorism laws in the UK. With more than 3,000 people arrested and over 1,200 charged under the Terrorism Act for supporting the group, the legal status of Palestine Action remains a contentious political issue. The withdrawal of a best-selling author’s works underscores the practical implications of the ban for cultural institutions and retailers.

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Sources

• france24.com: Sally Rooney books cannot be sold in UK amid Palestine Action ban: publisher - France 24
• apnews.com: Sally Rooney's books won't be sold in Britain over her backing of banned Palestine Action | AP News

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.