Publisher Stops Supplying Sally Rooney Books Across the UK
Irish author Sally Rooney’s novels will no longer be distributed in Britain after her publisher, Faber, announced it must stop supplying the books due to the author’s public support for Palestine Action. The decision triggers an immediate supply halt across British retailers, though shops are permitted to sell through existing stock.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee stated in the Dáil that she was shocked by the development and intends to raise the matter directly with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. The publisher clarified that UK anti-terrorism legislation prevents it from passing earnings from sales to Rooney following her vocal backing of the group.
Faber Confirms Distribution Halt Following UK Legislation
Faber confirmed that it will stop supplying Rooney’s books in the UK because current legislation prevents the transfer of royalties to an individual supporting a proscribed organization. Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK in July 2025. In a statement, Rooney said that fulfilling her publishing contracts in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence, adding that Faber reached its decision with her full agreement.
Independent bookshops across London and other British cities report that copies of works such as Normal People, Conversations with Friends, and Intermezzo are selling out rapidly. While wholesalers have cut off further inventory, some independent retailers like Word on the Water have indicated they will keep existing stock on shelves as long as sourcing and selling remain legal.
Irish Government Response and Diplomatic Engagement
Minister McEntee told the Dáil that she follows Rooney’s work and holds it in high regard, responding to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney who called the author one of Ireland’s most prominent contemporary authors. McEntee noted that she has spoken several times with Ed Miliband regarding his government’s position on Palestine, but acknowledged that she cannot comment directly on another country’s internal laws or court interpretations.
Social Democrats foreign affairs spokeswoman Sinéad Gibney criticized the withdrawal, telling The Irish Times that targeting an author resembles book banning and reflects a drift toward authoritarianism. Meanwhile, Labour MP Richard Burgon has publicly called for the proscription of Palestine Action to be overturned.
High Court Rulings and Supreme Court Appeal Timeline
The legal framework restricting Rooney’s publishing contracts stems from ongoing court battles over the proscription of Palestine Action. In February, the High Court in London ruled that the decision to ban the protest group was unlawful and disproportionate. However, that ruling was overturned by the Court of Appeal in June, which found the ban to be lawful.
A final legal challenge is scheduled when an appeal over the ban is due to be heard by the UK Supreme Court on 4 and 5 November. Rooney previously warned in a High Court witness statement that her books could disappear from UK shelves and cancelled a trip to Britain to collect a literary award over concerns of potential arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Sally Rooney’s books being pulled from UK shops?
Publisher Faber stopped supplying the author’s books in the UK because anti-terrorism legislation prevents them from passing royalty earnings to Rooney due to her public support for Palestine Action.
When is the UK Supreme Court hearing the appeal on Palestine Action?
The UK Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the appeal over the proscription of Palestine Action on 4 and 5 November.
What happens to copies of Rooney’s books currently in British stores?
Retailers are permitted to sell the copies they already hold, but wholesalers will not supply any new inventory.