Sally Rooney Books Withdrawn From UK Sale Over Palestine Action Support

Irish author Sally Rooney’s books are no longer being supplied to UK booksellers due to her public support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organization by the UK government in July 2025. Publisher Faber stated it can no longer pass on earnings from UK sales to Rooney, deeming it “unconscionable” to sell work without compensating the author. Rooney, who has sold over six million books globally, including 2.3 million in the UK, said she anticipated this outcome after publicly stating her intention to continue financially supporting Palestine Action despite the UK ban, and cancelled a UK trip fearing arrest.

The UK government proscribed Palestine Action citing a “long history” of criminal damage targeting companies linked to Israel’s war in Gaza. The group’s activities have led to over 3,000 arrests since the ban, with over 1,200 charged under the Terrorism Act, though no convictions have yet been secured. Lawyers for Palestine Action are appealing the ban in the UK Supreme Court, with all related cases currently paused pending the ruling. Civil liberties groups argue the ban infringes upon rights to protest and free speech.

Rooney stated she would continue to use royalties and TV fees to support Palestine Action, even if it constituted a crime under UK law. Faber confirmed the decision to cease supplying her books in the UK was made in full agreement with Rooney. Ebook editions have been removed from sale, though physical copies remain on shelves in some bookstores. Rooney’s novels include *Normal People*, *Conversations with Friends*, *Beautiful World, Where Are You*, and *Intermezzo*.

Where they differ

• The Independent and SCMP both highlighted that Palestine Action is on the same 'terrorist' blacklist as groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, a detail the BBC did not emphasize.
• The Independent reported over 3,000 arrests and 1,200 charges related to Palestine Action since the ban, while the BBC and SCMP did not provide those numbers.
• SCMP framed the proscription as putting Palestine Action on the same blacklist as Hamas and Hezbollah in its lead, while the BBC and Independent focused on Rooney’s decision and Faber’s response.

What is not yet known

• The outcome of the legal challenge to the proscription of Palestine Action in the UK Supreme Court remains unresolved.
• Whether any of the 1,200 individuals charged under the Terrorism Act will ultimately be convicted is currently unknown.

Background

• Sally Rooney is an Irish author who has sold over six million books globally, with 2.3 million sales in the UK [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-07].
• In July 2025, the UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, citing a “long history” of criminal damage targeting companies linked to Israel’s war in Gaza [Fact Refinery, 2026-08-26].
• The US followed the UK’s lead in 2026, designating Palestine Action as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” and subjecting the group to sanctions [Fact Refinery, 2026-08-26].
• The UK Court of Appeal ruled in June 2026 that the Home Office’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action was lawful and proportionate [Fact Refinery, 2026-06-15].

Our reading

Our reading is that this situation represents a direct conflict between artistic freedom and the legal consequences of supporting a group designated as terrorist by the UK government. The publisher’s decision, made in agreement with the author, highlights the practical difficulties of continuing a commercial relationship when financial transactions are deemed “unconscionable” due to the author’s stated intentions. The differing emphasis in media coverage suggests a sensitivity around the comparison of Palestine Action to other proscribed groups.

What to watch

• The ruling of the UK Supreme Court regarding the appeal of the ban on Palestine Action, which could alter the legal landscape [article text].
• Whether any of the 1,200 individuals charged under the Terrorism Act in connection with Palestine Action will be convicted, which would demonstrate the legal basis for the proscription [article text].
• Future sales figures for Rooney’s books in the UK, to gauge the impact of the withdrawal from major booksellers [article text].

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