Sally Rooney forced to withdraw sale of books in Britain due to support for Palestine Action

SALLY ROONEY is being forced to withdraw her books from sale in Britain because of her support for Palestine Action. The Irish writer’s publisher, Faber, said current legislation meant it could no longer pass on earnings from Britain to her, and that, in full agreement with Ms Rooney, it would no longer supply her works in Britain. After Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July 2025, the novelist said she would use proceeds from her sales to support the direct action group, which is not proscribed in the Republic of Ireland. Her books include Normal People, which has sold more than one million copies, while Conversations With Friends and Beautiful World, Where Are You have each sold more than 500,000. In a statement, she said: “The fulfilment of contracts to publish my work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence. “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.” CARLOS MARTINEZ looks at the facts behind US persecution of Fergie Chambers