UK bookstores scramble as Sally Rooney's novels pulled over Palestine Action support
British bookstores are removing novels by Irish author Sally Rooney after she announced her books can no longer be sold in the UK. The withdrawal stems from Rooney's financial support for Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian group that the UK government banned as a terrorist organization in July 2025. Rooney stated she can no longer receive royalties from British sales and has cancelled a planned trip to the UK because she fears arrest. The situation has sparked a conflict between British booksellers regarding terrorism laws and free speech.
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- ✓ Sally Rooney's books are no longer sold in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action.
- ✓ Palestine Action is a pro-Palestinian group banned in the UK.
- ✓ The group Palestine Action was banned in July 2025.
- ✓ Sally Rooney provides financial support to Palestine Action.
What changed
Sally Rooney revealed she cancelled a UK trip due to fear of arrest and can no longer collect royalties from British sales.
Live updates
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UK bookstores withdraw Sally Rooney novels over Palestine Action support
British bookstores are removing novels by Irish author Sally Rooney after she announced her books can no longer be sold in the UK. The withdrawal stems from Rooney's financial support for Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian group that the UK government banned as a terrorist organization in July 2025. Rooney stated she can no longer receive royalties from British sales and has cancelled a planned trip to the UK because she fears arrest. The situation has sparked a conflict between British booksellers regarding terrorism laws and free speech.
Why it matters
Sally Rooney is the critically acclaimed author of Normal People. The group she supports, Palestine Action, was proscribed by the UK government in mid-2025. This move creates a legal conflict regarding the sale of works by individuals supporting banned organizations.
What is confirmed
- Sally Rooney's books are no longer sold in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action.
- Palestine Action is a pro-Palestinian group banned in the UK.
- The group Palestine Action was banned in July 2025.
- Sally Rooney provides financial support to Palestine Action.
- Rooney said she can no longer receive royalties from sales in Britain.
Still unconfirmed
- Sally Rooney cancelled a UK trip due to fear of arrest.
- Palestine Action is banned specifically as a terrorist organization.
What to watch next
- Legal challenges regarding the seizure of royalties from proscribed group supporters
- Official statements from UK bookstores on their specific removal criteria
- Court filings or police confirmation regarding Rooney's legal status in the UK
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- www.france24.com — France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and...
- The New York Times — Sally Rooney Says Her Novels Will No Longer Be Sold in Britain
- The Guardian — Sally Rooney’s stand on Palestine is brave and humane
- CNN — Sally Rooney’s books no longer sold in UK over support for banned pro-Palestinian group
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — UK bookstores scramble as Sally Rooney's novels are withdrawn because she supports Palestine Action
- NPR — Sally Rooney’s books will no longer be sold in U.K. after Palestinian Action support
- France 24 — UK bookstores scramble as Sally Rooney's novels pulled over Palestine Action support
- www.the-independent.com — Sally Rooney’s books withdrawn from UK over her support of ...
- www.yahoo.com — Sally Rooney’s books pulled from shelves over Palestine ...
- www.theguardian.com — Sally Rooney says she can no longer sell books in the UK ...
- abcnews.com — UK bookstores scramble as Sally Rooney novels withdrawn over ...
- www.winnipegfreepress.com — UK bookstores scramble as Sally Rooney’s novels are withdrawn ...
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