Sally Rooney Books Withdrawn from UK Over Palestine Action Support

Irish author Sally Rooney has confirmed her books are no longer being supplied to UK booksellers following her public support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK under the Terrorism Act ^[1]. The decision, made in consultation with her publisher Faber, comes after Rooney stated she intended to use her UK royalties to support the group, which could now constitute a criminal offence ^[2].

Faber said current UK legislation makes it impossible to pass on earnings from her work, calling the situation 'unconscionable' for a publisher ^[2]. As a result, all formats of her books—physical and digital—will no longer be distributed in the UK, though existing stock remains available in stores.

Rooney, whose novels Normal People and Conversations With Friends have sold over 1 million and 500,000 copies respectively in the UK, said she had been advised that even past royalty payments from BBC adaptations could breach terrorism laws if used to support the group ^[1]. She cancelled a UK trip to accept an award, fearing arrest.

The UK government proscribed Palestine Action in July 2025, citing a 'long history' of criminal damage, particularly targeting arms companies linked to Israel’s war in Gaza ^[2]. Over 3,700 people have been arrested for alleged support, with about 2,500 charged—none tried, as a legal challenge to the ban continues and will be heard by the Supreme Court next month ^[1].

Rooney’s global sales exceed six million, with 2.3 million sold in the UK, and her works have been adapted into major TV series, including Normal People, which became the BBC’s most-streamed show in 2020 ^[2]. Faber affirmed it remains the proud publisher of her work, continuing distribution in Ireland and other territories.

According to the BBC, the US has designated Palestine Action a terrorist group, but this claim has not been confirmed by other sources ^[2].