Oct 15, 2026 04:45 AM
Popular Irish novelist Sally Rooney to withdraw books from UK market over Palestine Action support
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/popular-...rt/4089032
INTRO: Popular Irish novelist Sally Rooney has agreed with her publisher to withdraw her books from sale in the United Kingdom, citing legal concerns over her public support for Palestine Action, which was banned as a terrorist organization in July 2025.
Rooney, whose works include Normal People and Conversations With Friends, said her support for the group meant she could no longer receive royalties from UK sales.
“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," Rooney said in a statement provided to The Guardian.
“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,” she added.
After the group was banned, Rooney said she intended to use proceeds from her book sales to support Palestine Action. She later cancelled a trip to the UK to collect an award, citing fears of arrest.
Under Section 15 of the UK's Terrorism Act, it is an offense to provide money or other property while knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it will or may be used for the purposes of terrorism. The offense carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
Faber said the legislation had prevented it from transferring UK earnings to Rooney.
“Current legislation in the UK has led to circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work. To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher,” the publisher said. (MORE - details)
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/popular-...rt/4089032
INTRO: Popular Irish novelist Sally Rooney has agreed with her publisher to withdraw her books from sale in the United Kingdom, citing legal concerns over her public support for Palestine Action, which was banned as a terrorist organization in July 2025.
Rooney, whose works include Normal People and Conversations With Friends, said her support for the group meant she could no longer receive royalties from UK sales.
“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," Rooney said in a statement provided to The Guardian.
“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,” she added.
After the group was banned, Rooney said she intended to use proceeds from her book sales to support Palestine Action. She later cancelled a trip to the UK to collect an award, citing fears of arrest.
Under Section 15 of the UK's Terrorism Act, it is an offense to provide money or other property while knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it will or may be used for the purposes of terrorism. The offense carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
Faber said the legislation had prevented it from transferring UK earnings to Rooney.
“Current legislation in the UK has led to circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work. To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher,” the publisher said. (MORE - details)