Sally Rooney Books Pulled From UK Market Over Charity Donation Plan
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Irish author Sally Rooney's books will cease sales in the UK after she planned to donate royalties to Palestine Action, designated a terrorist group by Britain. Publisher Faber & Faber cannot legally pay Rooney, citing anti-terrorism laws. Rooney, 35, agreed to the decision, which affects all formats but not international sales. The ban on Palestine Action, following actions against Israel-linked firms, is being legally challenged.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sally Rooney's books will no longer be sold in the UK due to her donation plans.
- The publisher, Faber & Faber, cited UK anti-terrorism laws prohibiting funding of designated groups.
- Rooney intended to donate royalties to Palestine Action, classified as a terrorist organization.
- The decision affects all book formats within the UK but not international distribution.
- Palestine Action was banned after targeting Israel-linked defense companies and a military base.
Irish author Sally Rooney's books will no longer be sold in the United Kingdom following a joint decision with her publisher, Faber & Faber. Rooney, known for "Normal People" and "Conversations With Friends," had announced her intention to donate a portion of her royalties to Palestine Action. British authorities designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in July 2025.
This decision created a legal dilemma for Faber & Faber, as UK anti-terrorism laws prohibit funding proscribed organizations. The publisher stated it could no longer legally pay Rooney the revenue generated from her UK sales. In a statement released Wednesday, Faber & Faber explained that continuing to sell her books without being able to compensate the author was impossible.
The ban affects all formats, but Rooney's books will still be available in other countries. The 35-year-old author agreed to the measure, stating she accepts the consequences of her support for Palestine Action. She had previously canceled a trip to the UK due to fears of potential arrest.
Palestine Action was banned after conducting actions targeting defense companies linked to Israel and an intrusion at a Royal Air Force base in June 2025. The ban has led to significant protests and thousands of arrests in the UK, with its legality currently being challenged in British courts. The Supreme Court is scheduled to review an appeal next month, while civil liberties groups criticize the ban's impact on freedom of expression and assembly.
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