Sally Rooney's books are pulled from UK sale after her publisher rules supporting Palestine Action makes selling them a criminal offence
Publisher Faber has halted UK supplies of Sally Rooney's novels after determining that terror legislation barring the payment of royalties to her made continuing to sell her work untenable. Rooney, 35, publicly announced she would give her UK earnings and BBC adaptation royalties to Palestine Action after the direct-action group was banned as a terrorist organisation in July 2025, an offence carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison for supporters. Faber confirmed that digital editions have already been taken down, though physical stock already on shelves may stay there. Rooney had previously pulled out of a UK trip to collect a literary award over fears she could be arrested.
Rooney has sold 2.3 million books in the UK alone, and says she is 'wholly prepared to accept the consequences' of her stance.
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori said the withdrawal marks 'a new low in the escalating assault on free speech' caused by the proscription.
Rooney wrote in an Irish Times piece in August 2025: 'If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it.'