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Sally Rooney warns UK ban on Palestine Action may halt her book sales and royalties
Irish author Sally Rooney told the High Court on Friday that the UK's ban on Palestine Action under terrorism laws has left her unable to publish new novels in Britain and may force the withdrawal of her existing works from sale. The ban, enacted in July, also threatens her ability to receive royalties from her British publisher and the BBC, she said, citing legal warnings that payments could be construed as funding terrorism.
Legal uncertainty over royalties and future publications
Rooney, best known for Normal People-adapted into one of the BBC's most-watched dramas-stated in witness testimony that her public support for Palestine Action, including a pledge to donate royalties to the group, has triggered legal concerns. In August, she declared in The Irish Times her intent to use earnings from BBC adaptations to fund the organization, which the UK government banned in July for alleged property damage linked to protests.
According to Rooney, the independent producer behind the BBC's adaptations of her novels warned her agent that paying her royalties could constitute a terrorism offense if the funds were suspected of supporting Palestine Action. "It is therefore unclear whether any UK company can continue to make payments to me," she told the court, adding that her publisher, Faber & Faber, might be legally barred from disbursing owed royalties.
"The disappearance of my work from bookshops would mark a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression."
Sally Rooney, witness statement to the High Court
Free expression and travel restrictions
Rooney argued the ban infringes on her right to free expression, noting her novels-including Normal People and Conversations with Friends-have made her one of Britain's best-selling literary authors of the past decade. "It is almost certain that I can no longer publish or produce any new work within the UK while this proscription remains in effect," she stated.
She also revealed in September that her support for Palestine Action, which she described as part of a "long and proud tradition of civil disobedience," may prevent her from traveling to the UK or collaborating with British institutions like the BBC in the future. The group's co-founder is challenging the ban in the High Court, claiming it violates protest rights.
Genocide allegations and self-defense claims
Rooney's testimony included her belief that Israel has committed "genocide" in Gaza, framing Palestine Action's tactics-such as property sabotage-as justified protest. Israel has repeatedly denied genocide allegations, asserting its military actions are acts of self-defense. Rooney drew parallels to her own advocacy for climate justice, stating, "I myself have publicly advocated the use of direct action, including property sabotage."
Ongoing legal challenge
The High Court hearing continues through Thursday, with final submissions expected next week. Palestine Action's ban, imposed by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, hinges on accusations of "serious damage to property" during protests targeting Israeli-linked entities. The group's legal team argues the prohibition unlawfully restricts protest rights under UK law.
