The Canada Brief

Culture · 19 d ago

Irish novelist Sally Rooney

Frank Barat · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Sally Rooney's books are withdrawn from sale in the UK

Maximum UK sentence for supporting the group

14 years in prison

Her publisher Faber says UK law stops it from passing on her earnings, because she publicly supports Palestine Action, a group the British government banned as a terrorist organization in July 2025. Being a member or supporter is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

“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,” the Irish novelist said.

— Sally Rooney

E-book editions are off sale in the UK, though some printed copies remain in shops. Faber says it will keep selling the author of Normal People in other countries.

What we know

  • The Court of Appeal upheld the ban in June
  • The Supreme Court hears an appeal next month

Not yet

  • Whether the ban will stand

A court challenge to the ban won in the High Court, but the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling in June. The Supreme Court is due to hear an appeal next month.