Sally Rooney’s books withdrawn from UK sales after publisher cites Palestine Action support

Faber stopped supplying Rooney’s titles in the UK after she agreed to cease sales amid legal risk over her backing of Palestine Action.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:02:12 GMT

Irish novelist Sally Rooney announced on Wednesday that her books are no longer being sold in the United Kingdom after her publisher, Faber, withdrew them, citing her public support for the proscribed protest group Palestine Action.

What happened

Faber issued a statement confirming that it can no longer supply Rooney’s works in any format in the UK because the publisher would be unable to pass on earnings to the author, a situation it described as “unconscionable.” The decision follows the UK government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act, a move that makes any public support or financial assistance to the group a criminal offence.

What the reports add

According to the Independent, Faber said the ban “has led to circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work.” The Guardian reported that Rooney’s support for Palestine Action means the fulfilment of contracts to publish her work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence, and that she cancelled a planned trip to the UK to collect an award for fear of arrest. Rolling Stone added that the UK’s ban on Palestine Action was upheld after a lengthy legal battle and that the Terrorism Act carries a maximum prison term of 14 years for support of the group.

What was said

Faber said in its statement, “To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher. As such, and in full agreement with Sally, we have taken the decision that we can no longer supply her works in the UK in any format.” The Independent quoted Rooney as saying, “I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions, and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences.” The Guardian reproduced Rooney’s own words: “As a result, the fulfilment of contracts to publish my work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence.” Rolling Stone noted that the group Palestine Action describes its aim as “ending global complicity with Israel’s genocidal apartheid regime.”

How it came about

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July 2025, according to Rooney’s statement to the Guardian. After the ban, Rooney wrote an opinion piece in July 2025 expressing her intention to continue supporting the group, which she said is not proscribed in the Republic of Ireland. The legal risk of publishing her books in the UK emerged from that statement, prompting a consultation process between Rooney and Faber that led to the withdrawal decision. Felo News previously covered the broader cultural response to the Israel‑Palestine conflict, including Florence Pugh’s public support for Palestine (see article), providing context for the heightened scrutiny of public figures’ positions.

Key facts

Faber stopped supplying Sally Rooney's books in the UK in any format. (independent.co.uk)
Rooney agreed to the withdrawal and said she will accept the consequences. (theguardian.com)
Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organisation in the UK in July 2025. (theguardian.com)
Supporting a proscribed group under the UK Terrorism Act can carry up to 14 years imprisonment. (rollingstone.com)