Sally Rooney, the bestselling author of Normal People and other acclaimed novels, has taken a dramatic step in response to her support for the activist group Palestine Action. In a statement to the BBC, she confirmed that further publication of her work in the United Kingdom could constitute a "serious criminal offence," and she has therefore agreed with her publisher, Faber, to cease supplying her books in the UK.
Background and the decision to withdraw
Rooney’s decision follows the UK government’s 2025 proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The group, which has carried out direct‑action protests targeting arms companies linked to Israel’s war in Gaza, was added to the UK’s terrorist list after a "long history" of criminal damage, according to official statements.
In an opinion piece published in the Irish Times, Rooney explained that while the group is not proscribed in the Republic of Ireland, she would continue to use royalties from her books to support it. She warned that doing so could breach UK law, prompting her to cancel a planned UK trip to accept an award out of fear of arrest.
Faber’s public comment echoed Rooney’s concerns: "Current legislation in the UK has led to circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work… As such, and in full agreement with Sally, we have taken the decision that we can no longer supply her works in the UK in any format." The publisher added that it will continue to sell her titles in other territories.
Legal context and potential ramifications
The proscription of Palestine Action has already resulted in a significant legal crackdown. More than 3,700 people are believed to have been arrested in the UK for alleged support of the group, with about 2,500 charged. None of those cases have proceeded to trial, as a legal challenge to the proscription is slated for the Supreme Court next month.
Under UK law, the act of providing royalties to a proscribed organisation can be deemed a criminal offence. By pre‑emptively halting the supply of her books, Rooney aims to avoid any breach of that legislation. The publisher’s decision also reflects a broader industry dilemma: how to navigate earnings that cannot legally be transferred to an author without violating anti‑terrorism statutes.
Impact on the publishing market
Rooney’s novels have sold more than six million copies worldwide, including 2.3 million in the United Kingdom, according to NielsenIQ BookData. The removal of both current and future editions from UK supply could affect sales figures, though physical stock already on shelves is not subject to recall, according to Waterstones, which confirmed that existing copies may remain for sale.
Key points for retailers and readers include:
- Ebook editions have been withdrawn from UK digital storefronts.
- Physical copies may continue to be sold until existing inventory is depleted.
- Royalties earned from UK sales cannot be transferred to Rooney under current legislation.
For independent bookstores, the decision presents a logistical challenge: balancing the desire to support a high‑profile author with the need to comply with UK law. Larger chains, such as Waterstones, appear to be taking a cautious approach, allowing existing stock to remain while awaiting further guidance.
Free‑speech concerns
Palestine Action co‑founder Huda Ammori praised Rooney’s stance, describing the withdrawal as "a new low in the escalating assault on free speech caused by the proscription of Palestine Action." The episode underscores a growing tension between national security legislation and artistic expression, especially when an author’s political convictions intersect with legal restrictions.
While the publisher maintains that it remains the "proud publisher of her remarkable body of work," the situation raises questions about the extent to which governments can indirectly influence cultural consumption through proscription powers.
Uncertainty and outlook
Several uncertainties remain:
- The outcome of the Supreme Court challenge to the proscription could reshape the legal landscape for supporters of Palestine Action.
- Future decisions by other publishers may hinge on the interpretation of "earnings" and whether alternative payment mechanisms can be devised.
- Reader response in the UK is still unfolding; demand for physical copies may persist, potentially creating a secondary market.
Until the legal status of Palestine Action is clarified, authors and publishers alike will need to tread carefully, balancing creative freedom with statutory obligations.
Conclusion
Sally Rooney’s withdrawal from the UK market illustrates the complex interplay of politics, law, and literature. By voluntarily halting the supply of her books, she and her publisher have chosen compliance over potential criminal liability, while simultaneously highlighting the broader debate over free speech and the reach of anti‑terrorism legislation. The episode will likely serve as a reference point for future cases where artistic expression collides with national security measures.