Sally Rooney withdraws books from UK over support for banned group
Publisher Faber halts distribution after author vows to donate earnings to Palestine Action, citing unconscionable legal constraints on passing funds.
Irish novelist Sally Rooney is withdrawing her books from sale in the United Kingdom following her expressed support for Palestine Action. The British government designated the direct action group as a terrorist organisation last year. This designation makes supporting the group a criminal offence under current UK legislation.
Rooney stated that fulfilling contracts to publish her work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence. She had previously announced her intention to use proceeds from book sales to support the group. Such financial support would violate laws prohibiting assistance to proscribed organisations.
Her publisher, Faber, confirmed the decision was made with the author's full agreement. The company explained that current legislation prevents them from passing UK earnings to Rooney. They described selling a writer’s work without being able to transfer earnings as an unconscionable situation for any publisher.
Faber noted it remains the proud publisher of Rooney’s remarkable body of work. The company will continue to sell her titles in other territories where no such legal restrictions apply. The withdrawal affects all formats, though some physical copies remain available in shops temporarily.
Rooney said she made every effort to be honest with the public about her beliefs. She added that she is wholly prepared to accept the consequences of her stance. Her opinion piece expressing support for the group was published in Ireland, where it is not prohibited.
The ban on Palestine Action came into effect in July 2025. Membership or support for the group is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Thousands have been arrested since then for displaying placards expressing support for the organisation, drawing criticism from rights groups.
Amnesty International UK warned that terrorism laws are silencing artistic freedom and peaceful dissent. Kerry Moscogiuri stated writers should not lose shelf space due to political beliefs. Labour MP Ian Byrne called the situation a disgraceful attack on freedom of expression.