Sally Rooney's Novels Withdrawn from UK Over Palestine Action Support

Key points

• Faber announced it can no longer supply Rooney's works in the UK in any format due to UK legislation preventing the transfer of royalties to her.
• Rooney pledged in August 2025 to donate proceeds from her book sales to Palestine Action, which was proscribed as a terrorist organization in July 2025.
• Providing financial support to a proscribed group is a criminal offense in the UK, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years.
• Ebook editions have already been removed from sale, but Waterstones confirmed that existing physical copies can remain on shelves.
• Rooney has sold over 2.3 million copies of her books in the UK, including 'Normal People' and 'Conversations With Friends'.

Background

In July 2025, the UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization following incidents involving property damage at military and arms facilities. Rooney publicly opposed the ban, stating she would continue supporting the group despite the legal risks. In September 2025, she canceled a trip to the UK for an awards ceremony due to fears of arrest. A High Court ruling in February 2026 deemed the ban unlawful, but the Court of Appeal overturned this in June, and the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a further appeal next month.

How outlets are covering it

The Cut and The New York Times emphasize the legal constraints on Faber, noting that paying royalties to Rooney could constitute a criminal offense. BBC highlights the commercial impact, noting Rooney has sold over 6 million copies globally, with 2.3 million in the UK. Time Magazine focuses on the broader debate over free speech, citing the arrests of over 3,000 people for supporting Palestine Action. Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, described the withdrawal as a 'new low' in the assault on free speech, while UK MP Ian Byrne called the ban 'draconian' and an attack on freedom of expression.

Why it matters

The decision underscores the chilling effect of UK terrorism laws on artistic and political expression. It raises questions about the balance between national security and the right to dissent, particularly in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The case may set a precedent for how other artists and activists navigate legal restrictions on supporting proscribed groups.

What to watch

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a further appeal against the Palestine Action ban next month. If the ban is upheld, Rooney's books will remain unavailable in the UK. If overturned, Faber may resume supplying her works. The outcome will have significant implications for free speech and anti-terrorism legislation in the UK.