Rooney's publisher stops UK sales

Sally Rooney's publisher Faber said it will no longer supply her books in the UK after she pledged to donate royalties to Palestine Action, a group banned as terrorist by Britain.

Why the publisher withdrew her work

Faber said UK law prevents it from passing on Rooney's earnings to her if she donates to the banned group. Selling her work without paying her would be unconscionable, the publisher stated.

“To sell a writer's work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher.”

What is Palestine Action

Palestine Action is a UK-based direct action group founded in twenty twenty that targets facilities linked to Israeli weapons manufacturing. Members have damaged sites connected to arms manufacturer Elbit Systems.

The group's stated mission

Palestine Action describes itself as committed to ending global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime. It says disrupting weapons production halts supply chains and prevents weapons reaching Palestinians.

“Every moment we can disrupt them is a victory, as halting production at one site interrupts their whole supply chain and has a knock on effect to other factories.”

Britain bans the group as terrorist

The British government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in July twenty twenty-five. It was the first British proscription primarily based on property damage rather than violence against people.

The ban faces legal challenges

In February, the High Court ruled the ban unlawful and disproportionate. The Court of Appeal overturned that ruling in June. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a further appeal early next month.

Rooney pledges support despite ban

In an August twenty twenty-five op-ed in the Irish Times, Rooney wrote she intends to use book proceeds to support Palestine Action. She called the ban an extreme assault on ordinary rights and freedoms.

“I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can.”

Withdrawal reignites free speech debate

Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, told The Guardian the withdrawal marks a new low in assault on free speech.British MP Ian Byrne called the decision disgraceful and urged the government to reconsider the ban.

“Sally Rooney being unable to publish her work in the UK marks a new low in the escalating assault on free speech caused by the proscription of Palestine Action.”

Rooney accepts the consequences

Rooney reaffirmed her intention to support Palestine Action, which is not proscribed in the Republic of Ireland.

“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.”