Sally Rooney's books no longer sold in UK over support for banned pro-Palestinian group - Reuters

Sally Rooney’s publisher, Faber, announced that it will cease supplying her books in the United Kingdom in any format after the British government banned the pro‑Palestinian group Palestine Action. The decision follows Rooney’s public pledge to donate royalties from her novels, including “Intermezzo” and “Normal People,” to the organization.

Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization by the UK under legislation that targets groups involved in property damage and disruption. The group states its purpose is to block the supply of weapons to Israel and to end what it describes as British complicity in the Gaza conflict. The ban marks an unprecedented use of terrorism powers against a group primarily known for non‑violent protest tactics.

Faber explained that current UK law prevents the publisher from passing earnings generated in the country to Rooney, creating a situation in which it could sell her work without being able to remit royalties. The publisher described this as “unconscionable” and said the inability to transfer earnings to the author left it no choice but to withdraw the titles from the UK market.

The move has sparked debate over the scope of the UK’s counter‑terrorism legislation and its impact on freedom of expression and charitable giving. Critics argue that the ban on Palestine Action and the resulting halt to book sales may set a precedent for how cultural and literary works are treated when linked to politically sensitive causes.

The controversy occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza war, which began after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Since then, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, while the conflict has also resulted in significant civilian casualties in Israel. Rooney’s intended donations were aimed at supporting humanitarian efforts related to the conflict.