Sally Rooney UK book shipments halted over Palestine Action terror ban

Books by the Irish novelist Sally Rooney can no longer be shipped to bookshops in the United Kingdom. Concerns arose that her royalty earnings could reach a banned organization after the author announced she would continue supporting the group Palestine Action.

Faber, which publishes Rooney novels including Normal People and Conversations With Friends, announced that British legislation prevents it from transferring her UK sales earnings to her.

According to The Guardian, Faber concluded after taking legal advice that distributing Rooney’s books in Britain could expose the parties involved to criminal liability.

The decision stems from Palestine Action being declared a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act in July 2025. The legislation criminalises certain forms of support for the group.

In a statement to The Guardian, Rooney described the process: Palestine Action was banned in the United Kingdom in July 2025.

In an opinion piece written the following month, she stated that the group was not banned in the Republic of Ireland and wrote that she would maintain her support.

The author said, “Consequently, fulfilling contracts to publish my works in the United Kingdom could now constitute a serious offence.”

Rooney said the decision was taken with her consent and in consultation with her publisher. She added that she had done her best to remain publicly honest about her beliefs and intentions, and was prepared to face the consequences.

The author had previously cancelled a planned visit to collect a literary award in Britain. Her reasoning was the concern that she could be arrested for supporting Palestine Action.

Faber: Inability to transfer earnings to author is unconscionable

Faber announced it would cease supplying Rooney’s works across all formats in the United Kingdom.

The publisher stated that current legislation made it impossible to transfer to Rooney the UK earnings generated by her works.

It described the situation of a publisher selling an author’s work without being able to give them the proceeds as “unconscionable”.

The publisher stated that the decision was taken with Rooney’s full consent and that it would continue publishing the author’s works in other countries.

The Guardian reported that Rooney’s books were still being sold in some London bookshops. The sale of existing stock is permitted. Waterstones also confirmed that books already on shelves may be sold.

Rooney’s books have been bestsellers in Britain. Normal People sold more than one million copies, while Conversations With Friends and Beautiful World, Where Are You sold over half a million each.

Her first two novels were adapted into television series by the BBC. The adaptation of Normal People became the channel’s most-watched broadcast in 2020.

Series producers face identical legal risk

According to The Guardian, the ban has placed not only the publisher but also the producers of the television adaptations based on the novels in a difficult position.

Rooney had previously said she received warnings that payments connected to these productions could violate counter-terrorism legislation if it is known or suspected that the money would support Palestine Action.

In August 2025, Rooney announced publicly that she intended to transfer a portion of the income derived from her work to the group. Palestine Action is known for direct action targeting companies linked to Israel’s military industry.

Legal consequences of the ban reach the courts

According to The Guardian, more than 3,700 people are believed to have been detained since July 2025 on allegations of supporting Palestine Action. Most were detained for carrying placards reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.

Lawsuits have been filed against approximately 2,500 people. The proceedings are not progressing because the legal challenge mounted against the ban remains ongoing. The High Court is expected to hear the case next month.

Ammori: A new low in the assault on freedom of expression

Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action who has taken legal action against the group’s ban, assessed the development for The Guardian.

In Ammori’s view, Rooney being unable to be published in Britain represents a new low in the assault on freedom of expression brought about by the banning of Palestine Action.

Stating that Rooney had not compromised her stance despite the professional and financial cost, Ammori praised the author for this determination.

Arguing that the author’s works should remain accessible to British readers, Ammori said, “No author should be forced to choose between their principles and their freedom to publish.”