Normal People author Sally Rooney says support for Palestine makes her books illegal in UK

Renowned Irish author Sally Rooney announced on Wednesday that her books are now essentially banned from sale in the United Kingdom due to her support for the group Palestine Action. The statement came after Britain's Parliament labeled Palestine Action a "terrorist organization" in 2025, leading to nearly 2,500 arrests of individuals expressing public sympathy for the group.

Rooney, who has been vocal about the violence in Gaza and has financially supported Palestine Action, said that the fulfillment of publishing contracts in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offense. In response, her publisher, Faber, has determined that they can no longer supply Rooney's work within the UK. Rooney had previously revealed that she would also stop receiving BBC royalties for the BBC series adaptations of her work for the same reason.

The government's move to criminalize simply wearing a "Palestine Action" T-shirt has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups, particularly given the recent rise in white supremacist and anti-immigrant violence. Despite the potential financial repercussions, Rooney remains committed to her support of the Palestinian cause, stating that she has been honest about her beliefs and is prepared to accept the consequences.