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'A writer, not a terrorist': Gary Lineker and Paul Mescal back Sally Rooney after her books are pulled in UK

Sally Rooney, whose Normal People royalties pledged to proscribed group Palestine Action have prompted Faber & Faber to halt sales of her novels across Britain.
Sally Rooney, whose Normal People royalties pledged to proscribed group Palestine Action have prompted Faber & Faber to halt sales of her novels across Britain.

The 142 signatories describe the anti-terror laws underpinning the decision as 'draconian' and call on ministers to revise them. Faber halted supply of Rooney's books to UK retailers after she committed her royalties to Palestine Action, which was proscribed as a terror group in July 2025. Rooney warned that continuing to sell the books could constitute 'a serious criminal offence'. Jessie Buckley, Armando Iannucci and CMAT were among those who also signed.

In the twelve months following Palestine Action's ban, terrorism arrests reached a level equal to half of all such arrests recorded since 9/11.

Rooney said she is 'wholly prepared to accept the consequences' of her beliefs.

MoreThe Jewish Chronicle (GNews)‘Can I suggest that Sally Rooney visits Auschwitz and also delves into Ireland’s neutral and murky Jew-hating past?’: Letters to the Editor, October 23 2026Irish TimesPaul Mescal and Jessie Buckley sign letter supporting Sally Rooney after UK books withdrawnIrish Independent‘A writer, not a terrorist’ - CMAT and Gary Lineker among public figures to sign letter to UK government in support of Sally RooneyThe HeraldArmando Iannucci, Irvine Welsh and more sign letter in support of Sally Rooney
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