Entertainment · Books & Arts · 9 hrs ago
Dozens of prominent figures back Sally Rooney over UK book withdrawals
Dozens of prominent figures signed an open letter backing Sally Rooney after her books were withdrawn from sale in the UK.
The British government has designated Palestine Action, a group Rooney supports, as a terrorist organisation.
Rooney’s books have been withdrawn from UK sale, though some physical copies remain in bookshops.
Her publisher said it could not pass UK earnings from the books on to Rooney, and she said continuing publication could be a serious criminal offence.
The signatories called for the government to amend the law, saying the withdrawals threaten free expression.
The UK Supreme Court is set to hear a case on the ban in two weeks.
Dozens of prominent figures signed an open letter backing Sally Rooney after her books were withdrawn from sale in the United Kingdom.
The letter calls Rooney a writer, not a terrorist, and says her books should be available to the public.
Signatories say the withdrawal is censorship and criticize the anti-terror legislation used to proscribe Palestine Action.
Rooney supports Palestine Action, which the British government designated a terrorist organisation.
Her publisher said it could not pass UK earnings from sales to Rooney.
- Who
- Sally Rooney and dozens of writers, actors, artists and other public figures.
- What
- Signatories published an open letter condemning the withdrawal of Rooney’s books from UK sale.
- When
- The letter was published on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- The letter appeared on the cover of the New Statesman; the books were withdrawn from sale in the United Kingdom.
- Why
- Rooney supports Palestine Action, which the British government proscribed. Her publisher said it could not pass UK earnings from sales to her.
Signatories to the open letter
British government
Book withdrawal
Signatories to the open letter
The signatories say Rooney’s books should be available to the public and describe the withdrawal as censorship.
British government
The government designated Palestine Action a terrorist organisation; its view on Rooney’s books is not stated.
Anti-terror legislation
Signatories to the open letter
The signatories call the legislation ill-conceived and draconian and urge the government to amend it.
British government
The government’s stated view on the legislation is not included in the sources.
Rooney announced she would no longer be able to sell her books in the United Kingdom.
Dozens of prominent figures’ open letter backing Rooney was published on the New Statesman cover.
The UK Supreme Court is set to hear a case on the ban.
- Signatories
- Dozens of writers, actors, artists and other public figures
- Letter outlet
- New Statesman
- UK government designation
- Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organisation
- Rooney’s novels
- Four
- Global book sales
- More than six million
- Supreme Court hearing
- Set for two weeks after the letter was published
3 sources
What people are saying
Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist. Her books must be available to the public.
We categorically reject censorship—whether direct or indirect—and urge the government to change course, amending the legislation which has led us to this point of repressive absurdity.
circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work
wholly prepared to accept the consequences