Sally Rooney dropped from UK publisher over Palestine Action support

Ms Rooney, one of the country’s most acclaimed authors of the previous decade, has had several bestsellers, including "Normal People", "Conversations with Friends", and "Intermezzo".

"Normal People", which was adapted into an acclaimed limited series starring Paul Mescal, has sold over one million copies in the UK alone; her debut, "Conversations with Friends", and her third novel, "Beautiful World, Where Are You", have both sold over 500,000 copies in the UK.

In 2025, following the proscription of the pro-Palestine group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in the UK, Ms Rooney wrote an opinion piece to say that since she still lives in Mayo, she will continue her support of the group as they haven’t been designated as a terrorist organization here.

Ms Rooney’s UK publisher, Faber and Faber, has since confirmed that, since Ms Rooney is still supporting the group, they are unable to give Ms Rooney earnings from her book sales in the UK. As a result, the publishing agent has said that they will no longer be publishing her books in the UK, effectively meaning that her books can no longer be sold in the country.

Ms Rooney confirmed the withdrawal in a statement on Wednesday, writing: "In July 2025, the direct-action protest group Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organization in the UK. The following month, I wrote an opinion piece expressing my intention to go on supporting Palestine Action, which is not a proscribed or otherwise prohibited group here in the Republic of Ireland.

"As a result, the fulfillment of contracts to publish my work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offense. After a process of consultation and deliberation, and with my full agreement, my publisher Faber has therefore determined that it can no longer supply my work within the UK.

"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. I have no further comment at this time."

Palestine Action, a direct action group in the UK that calls for "ending global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime," was proscribed as a terrorist organization in 2025, after activists for the group broke into an RAF base and vandalized a plane.

Following their proscription, Ms Rooney wrote an opinion piece in the Guardian, which foreshadowed her being dropped by her publishers as a result of her support.

"Financial dealings with members and supporters may also be illegal, even if the individuals concerned have done nothing against the law other than belong to or express support for a protest movement," Ms Rooney wrote at the time.

"I can only say that I admire and support Palestine Action wholeheartedly – and I will continue to, whether that becomes a terrorist offense or not."

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.