Irish author Sally Rooney’s books will no longer be sold in the United Kingdom, following legal complications stemming from her support for the banned group Palestine Action. The decision was announced by her publisher, Faber & Faber, which cited UK terrorism laws as preventing the continuation of sales and royalty payments to Rooney within the country.
Palestine Action, a direct-action protest group, was designated a terrorist organisation in the UK in July 2025 after incidents involving trespass and property damage at RAF Brize Norton military base, which caused significant damage estimated at £7 million. Since the proscription, supporters of the group have faced thousands of arrests during protests, and the UK government considers providing financial support to Palestine Action a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. The law carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison for those found guilty of funding or supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation.
Rooney, known for bestselling novels such as *Normal People* and *Conversations with Friends*, had publicly pledged to donate royalties from her work to Palestine Action. She wrote an opinion piece shortly after the group’s proscription expressing her ongoing commitment to supporting the organisation, which is not banned in the Republic of Ireland. Rooney stated that continuing to receive earnings from her UK book sales might constitute a serious criminal offence under UK law. With her full agreement, Faber announced it would cease supplying her books in the UK.
The publisher explained that existing legislation prevents it from passing UK earnings to Rooney, calling the situation “unconscionable.” As a result, no new stock of her books will be supplied to UK retailers, though shops can continue selling existing copies while supplies last. Digital formats, including e-books and audiobooks, have already been withdrawn from UK platforms. Major booksellers confirmed the halt in restocking but noted that current stock remains available.
Legal experts have indicated that the publisher’s decision is likely influenced by concerns over compliance with anti-terrorism provisions, including potential banking-related risks if it were found to be involved in transferring funds linked to a proscribed group. Meanwhile, the UK Supreme Court is expected to hear a legal challenge to the Palestine Action ban brought by one of its co-founders, Huda Ammori.
The case has drawn criticism from advocates of artistic and political freedom. Amnesty International UK’s chief executive voiced concern that counter-terrorism laws could suppress peaceful political dissent and artistic expression. Rooney herself has framed her stance as a matter of principle, saying she is prepared to accept the consequences of her support for Palestine Action.
Rooney’s novels have received widespread acclaim and have been adapted for television by the BBC, although it remains unclear whether these adaptations will be affected by the current situation. Separately, the US government also declared Palestine Action a terrorist organisation in August 2025.
In 2025, Rooney cancelled plans to travel to London to accept a literature award over fears she might be arrested due to her association with Palestine Action. Her most recent novel, *Intermezzo*, was published in 2024. The ongoing legal and political debate surrounding Palestine Action continues to have significant repercussions for both supporters and those doing business with them.