In brief
Irish author Sally Rooney announced that, following the UK government's ban of Palestine Action, her publisher will cease supplying her novels in the United Kingdom. Rooney said that continuing to sell her books could become a criminal offence, as she has pledged to fund the banned group. E‑book copies have been removed from UK platforms, though existing print stock remains on shelves. Faber has confirmed it will only distribute her work outside the UK, citing legal constraints. The controversy adds to growing concerns that political crackdowns may divert attention from urgent global challenges, including climate action.
Irish novelist Sally Rooney has confirmed that her books will no longer be supplied to book‑shops or digital retailers in the United Kingdom after the government proscribed the protest group Palestine Action.
Rooney said in a statement that, because she has pledged to channel the proceeds of her work to the banned organisation, the fulfilment of publishing contracts could become a serious criminal offence. Accordingly, she agreed with her publisher, Faber & Company, to stop any further UK sales.
The publisher has already removed e‑book editions from UK platforms, while existing print stock remains in stores. Waterstones and other booksellers have reported that they may continue to sell any stock already in their inventory, but will not order new copies.
Faber’s spokesperson explained that the current UK legislation means the company cannot legally transfer earnings to Rooney for her sale of books within the country. “To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher,” it said.
Rooney’s four novels – including the bestselling Normal People and the recent Intermezzo – have sold more than six million copies worldwide. In the UK alone, sales have reached 2.3 million copies, according to NielsenIQ.
The ban on Palestine Action followed revelations that the group had engaged in “criminal damage” against arms manufacturers linked to the Gaza conflict. Over 3,700 people are believed to have been arrested for supporting the organisation, though many have not yet faced trial.
Rooney’s statement included a link to her August Irish Times column, where she declared her intention to continue channeling proceeds from her books to Palestine Action, despite the UK ban. Read the article here.
Palestine Action’s co‑founder, Huda Ammori, welcomed Rooney’s decision, calling it “a brave and principled stand” and highlighting the growing assault on free speech. Rooney’s move raises questions about how political and legal pressures can influence the dissemination of creative works and potentially shift public focus away from pressing global challenges such as climate change.
