Faber Halts UK Supply of Sally Rooney’s Books Under Palestine Action Ban

Faber, Sally Rooney’s publisher, has stopped supplying her books in the UK in any format. The publisher says current UK legislation has led to circumstances where it cannot pass UK earnings to her, and that the step was taken in full agreement with Rooney. The National and the Times of Israel date their reports 14 October 2026, while Al Jazeera and the South China Morning Post date theirs 15 October.

The decision follows the UK government’s proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in July 2025. Al Jazeera reports that Rooney has said she would use her earnings to support the group.

How the Ban Reaches Publisher Payments

The Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2025, SI 2025 No. 803, adds Palestine Action to Schedule 2 of the Act. It took effect the day after it was made, according to legislation.gov.uk. The same order adds two other groups to Schedule 2: Maniacs Murder Cult (MMC) (MKU) (MKY) and Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) (RID), including Russian Imperial Legion (RIL). Al Jazeera reports that membership of or support for the group in the UK is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The Times of Israel reports that Faber said in a statement on its website that it can no longer supply Rooney’s works in the UK “in any format.” Faber said current UK legislation has led to circumstances in which it cannot pass UK earnings on to Rooney for her work. Al Jazeera, The National and the South China Morning Post all report the publisher calling the situation an “unconscionable situation for a publisher.”

Al Jazeera reports that Rooney told the BBC that further publication of her work could be a serious criminal offence. According to The National, she said she had been open about her beliefs and was prepared to accept the consequences.

The Order Behind the Ban
The Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2025 (SI 2025 No. 803) added Palestine Action to Schedule 2 of the Act, taking effect the day after it was made.

What Changes for UK Readers and Shops

Faber says it can no longer supply Rooney’s works in the UK in any format. Al Jazeera reports that ebook editions have already been removed from UK sale, and that some physical copies remain available in shops.

Al Jazeera reports that Rooney’s novels, including Normal People and Conversations with Friends, have sold millions of copies globally, and that the BBC adapted both for television. The same report says that in September 2025 she could not travel to the UK to receive an award because of fear of arrest.

Al Jazeera also reports that Jeremy Corbyn, an independent MP, said the situation showed the “complete absurdity of the proscription of Palestine Action”. Labour MP John McDonnell said he did not want anyone in the UK to miss out on her writing.

What Continues Outside the UK

Faber says it will continue to sell Rooney’s work elsewhere, according to The National.

The South China Morning Post reports that Rooney lives in Ireland, where the group is not banned. It also reports that the July 2025 proscription placed Palestine Action alongside Hamas and Hezbollah.

Article 3 of the order adds a note that the Palestine Action entry refers to the organisation of that name based in the United Kingdom.

The publisher says current UK legislation has led to circumstances where it cannot pass UK earnings to her.

Court Challenge and Next Steps

Express & Star reports that three High Court judges ruled in February 2026 that the 2025 proscription was unlawful. The challenge was brought by Huda Ammori, the group’s co-founder. The Court of Appeal overturned that ruling on 15 June 2026. Baroness Carr, the Lady Chief Justice, sat on the five-judge panel, which found the ban a “justified and proportionate” interference with freedom of expression. The High Court order that would have quashed the ban was set aside. The ban has been in force since 5 July 2025 and remains in place.

Ammori has said she intends to take the case to the UK Supreme Court and, if needed, the European Court of Human Rights. She argues the ban breaches rights protected under the Human Rights Act, according to Express & Star. The National reported on 14 October that she will challenge the ban at the Supreme Court next month. Express & Star reports that it is understood the Home Office will “robustly defend” any Supreme Court challenge.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the judgment upholds the proscription and that the decision does not affect lawful protest supporting the Palestinian cause.

Rooney has criticised the arrests of Palestine Action supporters as selective enforcement of anti-terror law. The National reports that she compared them with the handling of a loyalist mural in north Belfast, which UVF supporters repainted without arrests and which has not been removed.

Photo: Shaibariheis · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons