In brief
Irish author Sally Rooney has agreed with her publisher to stop supplying her books in the UK, citing her support for Palestine Action – a group declared a terrorist organization in Britain. The decision comes after the author announced she would channel her royalties to the group, placing her works ahead of a potential criminal offence. Faber & Sons confirmed they would no longer distribute her titles in any format, though existing stock remains in stores. The move follows the 2025 proscription of Palestine Action and a broader debate over the limits of political expression for public figures. With more than six million copies sold worldwide, Rooney’s withdrawal is set to affect readers and the wider publishing industry alike.
Irish novelist Sally Rooney has agreed with her publisher that her titles will no longer be supplied to booksellers in the United Kingdom following her public support for Palestine Action, a group the British government declared a terrorist organisation in 2025.
In a statement to the BBC, Rooney said the continued publication of her works could now be deemed a serious criminal offence, and she accepted the consequence of withdrawing her books from the UK market. She added that she would continue to use the proceeds from her writing to back the group, a stance that places her at odds with UK legislation.
Publisher Faber & Sons confirmed it had been advised that it could not legally remit UK earnings to Rooney if her books were sold, and therefore “could no longer supply her work within the UK.” The publisher will keep selling the books in other territories, but no new stock will be shipped to UK retailers.
Palestine Action has been accused of targeting arms companies linked to Israel’s conflict in Gaza and suffered more than 3,700 arrests in the UK. Its proscription has ignited intense debate over free speech, with some critics arguing the ban suppresses dissent and some supporters praising the move as a necessary counter‑terrorism measure.
Readers in the UK will still find existing copies in independent shops, though major chains such as Waterstones have confirmed that current stock may remain on shelves for the foreseeable future.
Rooney’s catalogue, which includes the best‑sellers "Normal People", "Conversations With Friends" and "Beautiful World, Where Are You", has sold more than six million copies globally and shaped contemporary literary conversation. The withdrawal is likely to affect book sales and expose the tension between artistic freedom and national security concerns.
The situation remains fluid, with legal challenges to the proscription expected to reach the UK Supreme Court next month. Journalists and literary circles will be watching closely to see whether other authors face similar dilemmas in balancing political expression with market access.
