Sally Rooney’s Books Pulled from UK Amid Controversy

By October 15, 2026, Irish author Sally Rooney’s books are no longer available in the U.K. due to her support for Palestine Action, banned in Britain as a terrorist group. Rooney, known for ‘Normal People’ and ‘Conversations with Friends,’ agreed with her publisher Faber to halt book supplies to British retailers.

Faber stated, ‘Current legislation in the UK has created a situation where we cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney. Selling an author’s work without transferring earnings is unacceptable for a publisher.’

Rooney expressed her intention to use book proceeds to support Palestine Action, risking prosecution under U.K. anti-terrorism laws. She wrote in The Irish Times, ‘I intend to use my platform to support Palestine Action and action against genocide.’

About Palestine Action

Formed in 2020, Palestine Action targets arms manufacturers alleged to supply weapons to Israel. The group says it aims to end global complicity with Israel’s policies. It was designated a terrorist group by the U.K. in July 2025 due to criminal damage and attacks on defense facilities, including damage to a factory owned by Teledyne Technologies in 2022.

The group also breached RAF Brize Norton, damaging aircraft, with damage costs estimated at $9.4 million, according to police reports. Under U.K. law, supporting a banned terrorist group is illegal.

Protests and Legal Challenges

The ban on Palestine Action led to protests and arrests across the U.K. The Home Office data shows the average age of those arrested for supporting Palestine Action is 59, higher compared to other terrorism-related arrests.

Sally Rooney’s situation highlights the legal complexities of supporting such organizations.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism reported Rooney to counterterrorism police for her financial support vow.