In an open letter, dozens of writers confirm that Sally Rooney is not a terrorist.
An open letter published today on The New Statesman and signed by dozens of artists, authors, actors, politicians, and public thinkers, asserts that, in case you were wondering, “Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist.” The letter is a.
An open letter published on October 21, 2026, by The New Statesman was signed by dozens of prominent artists, authors, actors, politicians, and public thinkers. The letter addresses the British government to clarify that Irish writer Sally Rooney is 'a writer, not a terrorist.' This statement responds to a recent controversy involving Rooney's books being banned from sale in the United Kingdom. The ban stems from Rooney's support for Palestine Action, a direct action group advocating for Palestinian rights, to which she donates a portion of her novel profits. The letter argues that Rooney's treatment by British authorities constitutes indirect censorship, violating free speech principles.
Sally Rooney announced on October 14, 2026, that she could no longer sell her books in the UK due to a government ban targeting Palestine Action. The British government's action is based on anti-terrorism legislation, which classifies Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This legislation prohibits the sale of materials that support or fund groups deemed terrorist. Rooney's decision to withdraw her books from the UK market is a protest against this policy, as she believes it unfairly targets her literary work. The ban has sparked widespread debate about the balance between national security and artistic freedom.
The open letter defending Sally Rooney includes notable figures such as scholars Amitav Ghosh, Namwali Serpell, Naomi Klein, and Slavoj Žižek, as well as literary peers like Sophie Kemp, Patricia Lockwood, and Zadie Smith. The letter also features support from actors who starred in the adaptation of Rooney's novel Normal People, including Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Additionally, the British band Massive Attack publicly endorsed the letter, adding a cultural dimension to the campaign. The diversity of signatories highlights the broad support for Rooney's stance against censorship.
The open letter explicitly condemns the UK government's actions as a form of censorship, arguing that the ban on Rooney's books is an 'affront to basic principles of free speech and expression.' The letter calls for the government to amend the anti-terrorism legislation that led to this situation. Cultural editor Tanjil Rashid of The New Statesman supported this view in an op-ed, criticizing both the UK's anti-terror laws and broader censorship practices. The debate centers on whether the government's actions are justified under national security concerns or whether they represent an overreach that stifles dissent and artistic expression.
*Palestine Action* is a direct action group that advocates for Palestinian rights through protests and civil disobedience. The group has been classified as a terrorist organization by the British government, which has led to restrictions on its activities and any associated funding or support. Rooney's decision to donate a portion of her book profits to *Palestine Action* has drawn attention to the group's activities and the government's response. The classification of *Palestine Action* as a terrorist organization is a key factor in the controversy surrounding Rooney's books and the subsequent ban imposed by UK authorities.
