Sally Rooney books pulled from UK sale following publisher agreement over Palestine Action support

Award-winning Irish author Sally Rooney's books will no longer be sold in the UK after her publisher Faber made the joint decision to withdraw her titles from the market. The move comes as a direct consequence of current UK legislation and Rooney's vocal public support for the direct-action protest group Palestine Action.

Faber explained in an official statement that existing legal frameworks in the UK have created circumstances where the publishing house cannot legally pass on UK earnings to the author for her work.

Describing the situation as unconscionable, the publisher stated that in full agreement with Rooney, they can no longer supply her works in the UK in any format, though they remain proud to continue selling her books in other international territories.

The controversy stems from Rooney's public backing of Palestine Action, which was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government last year following protests against British arms exports to Israel.

Last August, the Mayo-born author penned an opinion piece in the Irish Times declaring her intention to support the group and channel proceeds from her work towards their cause, noting that the organisation is not prohibited in the Republic of Ireland.

Addressing the withdrawal, Rooney noted that fulfilling publication contracts in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence given her stated intentions. Following careful consultation and deliberation alongside her publisher, she acknowledged that she is fully prepared to accept the consequences of her beliefs.

The decision follows her previous absence from the Sky Arts Awards last year, where she won the literature prize for her fourth novel, Intermezzo, but could not safely enter the UK to collect it without facing potential arrest.