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Faber stops UK sales of Sally Rooney's books over Palestine Action support
Publisher Faber has stopped supplying Sally Rooney's books in the UK because UK terrorism legislation prevents it from passing royalties to the author, who has pledged to support Palestine Action—a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation. Rooney confirmed the decision was made with her full agreement and said she is prepared to accept the consequences.
Quick Facts
- Faber announced it will no longer supply Sally Rooney's books in the UK
- Rooney pledged to donate earnings from her books and TV adaptations to Palestine Action
- Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organisation under UK law
- Rooney cancelled a UK trip to collect a literary award
- High Court ruled the Palestine Action proscription unlawful in February 2026
Faber has announced it will no longer supply Sally Rooney's books in the UK following her public pledge to support Palestine Action, a group designated as a terrorist organisation under UK law in July 2025. The publisher stated that current UK legislation prevents it from passing on earnings from UK sales to Rooney, creating what Faber described as "an unconscionable situation for a publisher" — selling a writer's work while unable to pay them. Rooney, the Irish author of bestsellers including Normal People and Conversations with Friends, expressed her willingness to accept the consequences of her stance. The decision was made with her full agreement.
Rooney's position stems from her declaration in August 2025, following Palestine Action's proscription, that she would donate proceeds from her books and television adaptations to the group. Section 15 of the UK Terrorism Act makes it an offence to provide money or property to a proscribed organisation if one knows or has reasonable cause to suspect it will be used for terrorism purposes, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years. Rooney had previously cancelled a trip to the UK to collect a literary award over concerns she could face arrest.
The author's commercial success in the UK has been substantial: Normal People has sold over 1 million copies, while Conversations with Friends and Beautiful World, Where Are You have each exceeded 500,000 copies. Both Normal People and Conversations with Friends were adapted by the BBC, with the former becoming the broadcaster's most-streamed series of 2020 with 62.7 million views. Faber confirmed it will continue to publish and sell Rooney's work in other territories.
The ban on Palestine Action remains in effect despite legal challenges. A High Court ruling in February 2026 found the proscription unlawful and disproportionate, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision in June, finding the ban lawful. The UK Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an appeal on 4 and 5 November 2026. Since the group's proscription in July 2025, over 3,700 people have been arrested in the UK for alleged support of Palestine Action, with approximately 2,500 charged. Most charges relate to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act, which carries a maximum jail term of six months, often connected to holding placards stating "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." No trials have been completed as the legal challenge to the ban continues.
Why This Matters
UK publisher Faber halting UK sales of a commercially successful author's work creates a novel legal and commercial precedent: books by an author with 1+ million UK copies sold are no longer distributed in that market due to terrorism financing legislation. The decision affects ongoing court challenges to Palestine Action's proscription (UK Supreme Court hearing scheduled November 2026) and involves Section 15 of the Terrorism Act, which prohibits financial transfers to proscribed groups; over 3,700 arrests have been made since July 2025 under related provisions. Outcomes from the Supreme Court appeal could reshape how publishers, authors, and financial intermediaries manage earnings in comparable scenarios.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 14, 2026
WireFaber announces it will no longer supply Sally Rooney's books in UK
Nov 4, 2026
WireUK Supreme Court scheduled to hear appeal on Palestine Action ban
Related Signals
Sources
- Sally Rooney says she can no longer sell books in UK due to Palestine Action supportThe GuardianMediaOct 14, 2026
- Faber to no longer publish Sally Rooney in UK due to Palestine Action legislationThe BooksellerMediaOct 14, 2026
- Sally Rooney’s books no longer to be published in UK over her support for Palestine ActionThe Irish TimesMediaOct 14, 2026
- Sally Rooney's books to be withdrawn from sale in the UKRTE.ieMediaOct 14, 2026