Faber to stop supplying Sally Rooney’s books in UK over Palestine Action ban

Faber has decided to stop supplying Sally Rooney’s books in the UK in any format, saying it cannot pass on her UK earnings because of circumstances arising from the ban on Palestine Action. The publisher said the decision was made with Rooney’s full agreement. [2]

Rooney has said she would use proceeds from her novels and television work to support the group, which the British government banned in 2025 as a terrorist organisation. Faber said it would be “unconscionable” to sell a writer’s work without being able to pass on the earnings. It did not identify the specific legal provision it believes prevents payment. [2]

“I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions, and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences,” Rooney said in a statement reported by the Associated Press. [2]

The decision is narrower than an end to the publisher’s relationship with Rooney worldwide: Faber specified that it would no longer supply her work in the UK. Nor did it describe a government order banning her books. [2]

The ban on Palestine Action is being challenged. According to the Associated Press, more than 1,200 people have been charged under the Terrorism Act since the group was outlawed, but none had been convicted at the time of its report. [2]