Sally Rooney’s books will no longer be supplied to UK bookshops, following concerns about prosecution under UK terrorism laws. Source: theguardian.com.
What Happened
Last year, Rooney announced she would use her book royalties to support Palestine Action.
The group is proscribed as a terrorist organisation under UK law. Since then, thousands of people have been arrested for supporting the group.
Rooney and her publishers have now decided to stop supplying her books to UK retailers.
As of this week, only a few copies of her novel Intermezzo may remain in local bookshops. These are expected to sell out quickly.
Background: How UK Terrorism Laws Work
Under UK law, organisations can be designated as terrorist if they are seen to promote or engage in acts of terrorism.
Supporting such organisations — including through donations or public advocacy — can trigger legal scrutiny.
While the law does not require direct involvement, the government may treat public support as a form of aiding terrorism.
There is no official definition of what constitutes ‘support’ in this context. The interpretation often depends on how actions are framed in public.
Public Response
Over the weekend, hundreds of authors signed an open letter in support of Rooney.
They argued that artistic expression and public advocacy should not be restricted by counter-terrorism laws.
Some critics, particularly in the rightwing press, have described Rooney as a ‘tedious and malicious’ figure, calling her stance ‘posturing’ and ‘malicious’.
These views reflect broader debates about free speech and the limits of counter-terrorism legislation.
Why It Matters
This case raises questions about how public figures use their platforms to support social causes.
It also highlights tensions between free expression and national security laws.
Legal experts say the situation could influence the Supreme Court’s upcoming review of Palestine Action’s proscription.
If the court rules that such support is protected under free speech, it could set a precedent for future cases.
Limitations and Open Questions
There is no public record of Rooney being directly charged or investigated.
Her publishers have not confirmed whether the decision was made in response to a specific threat or legal warning.
It remains unclear whether the UK government has formally advised against the distribution of her books.
Legal experts note that the case does not yet involve a court ruling or formal legal action.
It is also not known how many other authors may face similar challenges in the future.
The situation may evolve as the Supreme Court considers the legal basis of Palestine Action’s designation.
For now, the decision affects only Rooney’s books in the UK market.
It is a rare instance where a literary figure’s public stance has triggered a direct commercial and legal response.
The Guardian’s podcast on the topic, hosted by Zoe Williams and Haroon Siddique, explores the broader implications of this case.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: original publisher image. Via original publisher. Image source
