Sally Rooney’s Books Halted in U.K. Due to Palestine Support

London — Renowned Irish author Sally Rooney will no longer have her books distributed to U.K. booksellers. This decision follows her public support for Palestine Action, a group banned in Britain as a terrorist organization.

Rooney’s novels, such as ‘Normal People‘ and ‘Conversations with Friends,’ have achieved international acclaim and adaptations into television series. Rooney and her publisher, Faber, decided to stop supplying her books to the British market. Faber issued a statement revealing that U.K. legislation prevents them from transferring earnings to Rooney. The restriction on passing earnings poses significant challenges for the publisher.

Rooney has stated her intention to use her book sales proceeds to support Palestine Action financially, risking legal prosecution under U.K. anti-terrorism statutes. Her statement was originally published in The Irish Times, August 2025, where she expressed ongoing support for Palestine Action and direct action against genocide.

‘I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can,’ Rooney wrote.

What is Palestine Action?

Founded in 2020, Palestine Action targets companies it alleges supply weapons to Israel, using protests and sabotage. The group defines itself as a movement against what they claim is Israel’s genocidal apartheid regime.

In July 2025, the British government categorized Palestine Action as a terrorist group. The designation resulted from instances of criminal damage and attacks on defense infrastructure. For example, the group took responsibility for vandalizing RAF Brize Norton in 2022, causing damage estimated at $9.4 million.

U.K. law criminalizes membership in or support of designated terrorist organizations. Additionally, public backing can lead to arrests, which have become widespread following the group’s ban. Data from Britain’s Home Office indicates the average age of those arrested for supporting Palestine Action is 59, compared to 28 for other terrorism-related offenses. The legality of banning the group faces a Supreme Court challenge.

A spokesperson from the U.K.’s Campaign Against Antisemitism commented on Rooney’s situation, noting their report to counterterrorism police regarding her support for the group. Protests and arrests over the ban have sparked significant public response across Britain.