Sally Rooney has said she can no longer sell her books in the UK because of her support for the banned protest group Palestine Action. The ban, which began on July 5 2025, made membership of, or support for, the direct-action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Publisher's decision
As a result, Rooney's publisher, Faber, has determined it cannot sell her novels in Britain. The Irish author, 35, previously said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations of novels to Palestine Action, which has a stated goal of "ending global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime".
Rooney'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."
Faber has been contacted for comment.
Background and impact
Rooney is the author of the bestselling novels Conversations With Friends, Normal People, Beautiful World, Where Are You? and Intermezzo. Her first two novels have both been adapted for television.
In September 2025, Rooney cancelled a trip to London to accept the Sky Arts Award for literature over concerns she could be arrested if she entered the country over her support for Palestine Action. Supporters of the group have staged regular protests in defiance of the Government's ban, leading to hundreds of arrests under terrorist legislation.
