Author supports Palestine group: Sally Rooney withdraws books from UK
The Irish author Sally Rooney has decided to withdraw her books from sale in the United Kingdom due to her support for Palestine Action, an activist group banned in Britain. This decision follows her public endorsement of the group, which has been involved in protests against Israeli policies. The move highlights the growing influence of political activism on cultural and commercial spheres, particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Rooney’s stance reflects broader debates over freedom of expression, political engagement, and the role of artists in social movements. Her decision impacts book sales in the UK and underscores the tensions between artistic independence and national regulations.
Sally Rooney's books are no longer available for sale in the United Kingdom. The decision comes from her publisher, Faber & Faber, which cited legal concerns related to Rooney's support for the activist group Palestine Action. The British government designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in July 2025 following several sabotage actions targeting companies collaborating with Israel. Since then, supporting the group has become a criminal offense in the UK. Rooney, an Irish author whose novels have sold over a million copies in the UK, confirmed she intends to donate royalties from her book sales to Palestine Action. This has prompted her publisher to halt the distribution of her books in the UK, fearing potential legal repercussions. Faber & Faber stated that it is impossible to continue distributing the works while being unable to transfer earnings to the author. Rooney resides in Ireland, where there is no restriction on Palestine Action. However, she chose to withdraw from a planned trip to the UK to accept an award in 2025 due to fears of arrest. She emphasized her commitment to honesty regarding her beliefs and readiness to face the consequences of her stance. The publisher acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating that it is unacceptable for a publisher to sell a writer's work without being able to pass on the earnings. Despite this, Faber & Faber continues to support Rooney and will distribute her works in other countries. Palestine Action, founded in 2020, primarily focuses on direct actions against arms manufacturers supplying Israel. Activists have engaged in protests at military bases and painted aircraft. Over the past 14 months, more than 3,700 individuals have been arrested for supporting the group, mostly for displaying signs expressing opposition to genocide and support for Palestine Action. Approximately 2,500 of these individuals have faced charges, although court proceedings have been suspended pending further legal review. The High Court had previously lifted a ban on Palestine Action in February, but the designation remains in effect until the final ruling by the Supreme Court. Rooney had appeared before the High Court in November 2025 to support a legal challenge against the ban, highlighting concerns about threats to freedom of expression. Rooney's decision to withdraw her books from the UK market underscores the complex interplay between personal convictions and legal constraints. While her works remain accessible in Ireland and globally, the situation in the UK reflects broader tensions surrounding the definition of terrorism and the implications for free speech.
Sally Rooney, an Irish author whose books are immensely popular in the UK, has seen her works temporarily banned by her British publisher, Faber, due to her support for the organization Palestine Action. This group was designated a terrorist organization by the UK government in summer 2025 after carrying out sabotage against companies collaborating with Israel. As a result, any British citizen supporting Palestine Action could face legal repercussions. Although Rooney is Irish, Faber is based in London, and she has confirmed donating portions of her royalties to Palestine Action. To avoid potential liability, Faber has halted the distribution of Rooney’s books in the UK. Despite this, bookstores across the country continue to display her works prominently. Rooney previously appeared before the High Court in November 2023 to challenge the designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, arguing it threatens freedom of expression. The court upheld the ban in February 2024, but the final decision by the Supreme Court remains pending.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively, focusing on the legal and practical implications of the UK government designating Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. It does not take a clear stance on the issue itself, nor does it favor one side over the other in its language or framing. S
The Irish author Sally Rooney has decided to withdraw her books from sale in the United Kingdom due to her support for Palestine Action, an activist group banned in Britain. This decision follows her public endorsement of the group, which has been involved in protests against Israeli policies. The move highlights the growing influence of political activism on cultural and commercial spheres, particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Rooney’s stance reflects broader debates over freedom of expression, political engagement, and the role of artists in social movements. Her decision impacts book sales in the UK and underscores the tensions between artistic independence and national regulations.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Sally Rooney's withdrawal of her books from the UK as a direct result of her support for Palestine Action, a group associated with anti-Israel activism. While the article presents the fact neutrally, the emphasis on the political nature of the decision and the association with a '
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