Under threat of arrest Sally Rooney can no longer sell her books in the UK.

Sally Rooney is an Irish novelist best known for her critically acclaimed novels, Normal People and Conversations with Friends. Her works explore themes like Millennial relationships and social issues, earning her a wide readership. In 2026, Rooney publicly supported Palestine Action, a direct-action protest group advocating for Palestinian rights through nonviolent civil disobedience. Her advocacy led to legal complications in the United Kingdom, where she now faces restrictions on selling her books.

Palestine Action is a UK-based activist group that uses direct action, such as occupying buildings linked to arms companies supplying Israel, to protest against the Israeli occupation of Palestine. In July 2025, the UK government classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000. This classification makes supporting the group illegal in the UK, even if the group disputes the label and continues its activities. The ban has been legally challenged but remains in effect as of October 2026.

Under the UK Terrorism Act 2000, providing support to an organization classified as terrorist is a criminal offense, punishable by arrest and imprisonment. The law applies even if the classification is disputed or if the support is indirect, such as donating funds. Rooney’s public endorsement of Palestine Action placed her in a legal gray area, as she stated she would continue supporting the group despite the ban. This created a risk that her publisher, or even Rooney herself, could face prosecution if she entered the UK.

Faber, Rooney’s UK-based publisher, decided to stop selling her books in the UK in October 2026 to avoid legal consequences. The publisher cited concerns that fulfilling contracts to distribute her works could violate the Terrorism Act, potentially exposing them to criminal liability. This decision was made after consultation with Rooney, who agreed it was the only viable option. As a result, readers in the UK can no longer purchase her novels through traditional channels.

Normal People, Rooney’s breakout novel, sold over one million copies in the UK prior to this decision. The withdrawal of her books is expected to have a significant impact on both the author’s income and her readers, many of whom may no longer have access to her works. The situation highlights the broader implications of legal restrictions on artistic expression and the challenges faced by authors who engage in political activism.