Sally Rooney’s books withdrawn from UK sale over Palestine Action support

What happened

Irish novelist Sally Rooney's books will no longer be sold in Britain after she declared plans to use her royalties to support Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian group proscribed by the British government as a terrorist organisation. Rooney, known for bestsellers Normal People and Conversations with Friends, has been a vocal supporter of the group. Her publisher Faber said it could no longer supply her works in the UK in any format because current legislation prevents it from passing UK earnings to Rooney. Faber called the situation "unconscionable". Rooney said she had "made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences". Palestine Action was banned shortly after a June 2025 break-in at a Royal Air Force base. More than 3000 people have been arrested since the proscription, including for holding signs of support, though none has yet been convicted of charges under the Terrorism Act. The Supreme Court is due to hear an appeal of the ban next month.

Key facts

• Sally Rooney, Irish author of Normal People and Conversations with Friends
• Palestine Action banned by UK government as terrorist organisation after June 2025 RAF base break-in
• More than 3000 arrested since proscription; over 1200 charged under Terrorism Act, none yet convicted
• Supreme Court to hear appeal of the ban next month

What happens next

The UK Supreme Court is due to hear a legal challenge to Palestine Action's ban next month.

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