Faber halts UK supply of Sally Rooney books over Palestine Action support
In short
Faber said it would stop supplying Sally Rooney's books in the United Kingdom because current legislation prevents it from passing on her UK earnings. Rooney agreed to the decision after pledging to support Palestine Action, which Britain has banned as a terrorist organization.
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Publisher Faber has agreed with Irish novelist Sally Rooney to stop supplying her work in the United Kingdom in any format, saying current legislation prevents it from passing on her UK earnings. The decision follows Rooney's stated intention to use proceeds from her work to support Palestine Action, a group banned by Britain as a terrorist organization. [ 4 , 5 , 10 ]
Faber said selling an author's work without being able to pay the resulting earnings was an unconscionable position for a publisher. It said the decision had Rooney's full agreement and that it would continue to sell her work in other territories. Rooney said she had tried to be honest about her beliefs and intentions and was prepared to accept the consequences. [ 5 , 8 ]
Rooney had written in The Irish Times in August 2025 that she intended to use proceeds from her novels and television work to continue supporting the group. In a statement reported by The Hill, she said Palestine Action was not prohibited in the Republic of Ireland, but fulfilling contracts to publish her work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence. [ 4 , 8 , 10 ]
Britain designated Palestine Action a terrorist organization in July 2025. CBS News reported that the decision followed the group's claim of responsibility for breaking into RAF Brize Norton and damaging aircraft. The government cited the group's history of criminal damage and attacks on defence infrastructure. The Seattle Times reported that membership in or support for the group carries a possible prison sentence of up to 14 years. [ 4 , 10 ]
CNN reported that Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori challenged the ban and won a High Court ruling in February, before the Court of Appeal reversed that decision in June. According to the report, the Supreme Court is due to hear an appeal next month. Rooney had submitted a witness statement supporting the legal challenge and warning that her plans could lead to the withdrawal of her books from British sale. [ 5 ]
Why it matters
The decision affects supplies of Rooney's work in every format in the UK. Faber said it would continue selling her books in other territories.
Key facts
- Faber and Rooney agreed to halt supplies of her work in the UK in every format. [ 4 , 5 , 8 ]
- Faber said current UK legislation prevents it from passing on Rooney's UK earnings. [ 4 , 5 , 8 , 10 ]
- Rooney had said she intended to use proceeds from her work to support Palestine Action. [ 4 , 5 , 10 ]
- Faber said it would continue selling her work outside the UK. [ 5 , 8 ]