Sally Rooney's books to be withdrawn from UK market over Palestine Action support
Rooney’s decision has intensified debate over the scope of anti-terrorism legislation, the rights of political activists and freedom of expression in the UK.
Irish novelist Sally Rooney has agreed with her publisher, Faber, to halt supplies of her books to UK booksellers amid legal concerns over her financial support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the British government in 2025.
Rooney, best known for her bestselling novel Normal People, said the continued publication and distribution of her work in the UK could potentially constitute a "serious criminal offence" under current British law.
She added that she was prepared to face the consequences of her political beliefs and actions, according to the BBC.
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In a statement to BBC News, Rooney confirmed that she had discussed the matter with Faber and agreed to stop further supplies of her books to the UK market.
E-book editions of her novels have already been removed from UK sales platforms, while physical copies currently held by bookshops can still be sold.
Waterstones confirmed that Faber had informed booksellers that there were no restrictions on selling existing stock.
Faber said current UK legislation prevented it from transferring earnings from Rooney's UK book sales to the author.
The publisher described selling a writer's books without being able to pay them as an "unconscionable situation" and said the decision had been made with Rooney's full agreement.
The publisher added that it remained committed to Rooney's work and would continue selling her books internationally.
Rooney has sold more than six million books worldwide, including around 2.3 million in the UK, according to NielsenIQ BookData.
Her works include Normal People, Conversations with Friends, Beautiful World, Where Are You and Intermezzo.
Normal People, published in 2018, was adapted into a successful television series in 2020, bringing wider recognition to actors Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
In August 2025, Rooney reaffirmed her intention to provide financial support to Palestine Action in an opinion piece published by The Irish Times.
She noted that the organisation was not proscribed in the Republic of Ireland, despite the UK ban. She also cancelled a planned visit to the UK to receive an award, citing fears that she could be arrested.
The British government proscribed Palestine Action in July 2025, citing what it described as the group's history of criminal damage. The organisation has targeted arms companies linked to Israel's war in Gaza.
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori welcomed Rooney's decision, describing it as a brave and principled stand.
She criticised the withdrawal of the author's books, saying it represented a further setback for freedom of expression following the organisation's proscription.
The legal and political dispute over the ban remains ongoing. More than 3,700 people are believed to have been arrested in the UK over alleged support for Palestine Action, with around 2,500 charged.
According to the report, none had gone to trial as legal challenges to the proscription continued.
The case is due to be heard by the UK Supreme Court next month.
Rooney's decision has intensified debate over the scope of anti-terrorism legislation, the rights of political activists and freedom of expression in the UK.
