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 decision comes after the author's public support for the group, which was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK on July 5, 2025.
The Irish author, 35, previously said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations of her novels to Palestine Action, which has a stated goal of "ending global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime". As a result, her publisher, Faber, has determined it cannot sell her novels in Britain.
Publisher's decision and author's statement
In a statement, 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."
She added: "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."
Career and previous actions
Rooney is best known for her novels Conversations With Friends, Normal People, Beautiful World, Where Are You?, and Intermezzo. Her first two books have been adapted for television.
In September 2025, Rooney cancelled a planned visit to London to receive the Sky Arts Award for literature, citing concerns about possible arrest due to her support for Palestine Action. The group's supporters have continued to protest despite the ban, resulting in hundreds of arrests under terrorist legislation.
