Sally Rooney's publisher Faber has stopped selling her novels in the UK after the author's support for the proscribed group Palestine Action made sales a potential criminal offence.
The Irish author, whose books include Normal People and Conversations with Friends, said she can no longer sell her novels in the UK due to her support for the group, which was banned in July 2025.
Publisher's decision
Faber has determined it cannot sell her novels in Britain because the ban "has led to circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work".
Last year, Rooney said she intended to carry on using her royalties from her novels and TV shows to support the group, which is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK. The ban, which began on July 5 2025, made membership of, or support for, Palestine Action a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Author's statement
In a statement given to The Guardian, Rooney said: "In July 2025, the direct-action protest group Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
"The following month, I wrote an opinion piece expressing my intention to go on supporting Palestine Action, which is not a proscribed or otherwise prohibited group here in the Republic of Ireland.
"As a result, the fulfilment of contracts to publish my work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence.
"After a process of consultation and deliberation, and with my full agreement, my publisher Faber has therefore determined that it can no longer supply my work within the UK.
"I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions, and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences."
Reaction and impact
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori said: "Sally Rooney being unable to publish her work in the UK marks a new low in the escalating assault on free speech caused by the proscription of Palestine Action.
"A world-renowned author fearing arrest and being forced to remove her books from our bookstores, exposes the chilling consequences of this authoritarian law, which has been used to make over 3,700 arrests for simply holding seven word signs."
Rooney cancelled a trip to the UK to pick up an award, for fear of arrest. Her other works include Beautiful World, Where Are You? and Intermezzo, and her first two novels have both been adapted for television.
Supporters of the group have staged regular protests in defiance of the Government's ban, leading to hundreds of arrests under terrorist legislation. Faber has been contacted for comment.
