Irish author Sally Rooney stated that, due to her support for Palestine Action in the United Kingdom, not only could her existing books be withdrawn from sale, but publishing any new work there has become almost impossible.
Irish author Sally Rooney explained that the anti-terror laws currently in force in the United Kingdom directly affect her working conditions, and that both her existing books could be pulled from sale and it has become almost impossible for her to publish a new work in the country. This assessment came after the protest group Palestine Action was declared a “terrorist organisation” by the Home Office in July. The group has long been carrying out direct actions against companies in England connected to Israel’s military industry.
In statements submitted to the High Court, Rooney openly declared her support for Palestine Action and stated that she had directed part of her book revenues to this group. Following this declaration, royalty payments owed to her by British publishers and BBC productions have entered a legal deadlock. Rooney said that she had been warned that any payment made to her could lead to accusations of “financing terrorism” because she had publicly announced that she transferred royalties to Palestine Action. The independent producer of the BBC adaptations stated that they had received “a very clear legal opinion” indicating that paying royalties to the author could constitute a criminal offence.
This situation raises the possibility that it may no longer be legally possible for Faber & Faber to make payments to Rooney. The author noted that, should such a blockade occur, her books could be entirely removed from sale in the United Kingdom. Rooney, one of the most widely read novelists of the past decade with works such as Normal People, Conversations with Friends, Beautiful World, Where Are You? and Intermezzo, said: “The complete withdrawal of my works from British readers would constitute an extremely severe intervention by the state into the cultural sphere.”
Rooney Says She Can No Longer Travel to the United Kingdom
The author stated that not only her relationship with publishers, but even her physical entry into the country is at risk. Recently, Rooney did not travel to London to receive the Sky Arts award she won with Intermezzo, saying that her legal advisors had warned her about the possibility of her being “detained”. In the message she sent to the ceremony, she wrote, “I am no longer sure that I can travel to the United Kingdom safely.” In her message, Rooney reiterated that she supports anti-war and non-violent direct action and accepted the award remotely.
Rooney said she situates Palestine Action’s activities “within a tradition of civil disobedience” and that she herself has long advocated similar forms of direct action. “If I have supported direct action including sabotage against property for climate justice, I must show the same resolve towards those trying to stop a genocide,” she said.
The UK Home Office, however, argues that Palestine Action is not limited to protest actions, claiming that the group has caused millions of pounds in material damage and has been linked to various violent crimes, which is why it was banned. The group faces serious charges in opened cases, and the government claims that it has prepared an underground manual for “planning future attacks”. Hundreds of people were taken into custody during protests against the ban.
In an article published in the Irish Times in August, Rooney wrote, “If this support is considered terrorism, so be it. I will continue to direct the proceeds of my work to Palestine Action.” The author argues that the United Kingdom has entered a process of restricting freedom of thought and expression, and that this will have severe consequences for cultural life.
