Rooney's UK sales decision prompts bookstore rush and debate

Summary

UK booksellers are rushing to stock Sally Rooney’s novels before distributors run out, France 24 reports, after she announced that her books could no longer be sold in the country because of her support for Palestine Action. The Financial Times says Rooney’s decision to halt sales is not a ban on her books and has focused attention on the group’s proscription and perceived shortcomings in the Terrorism Act. The Guardian calls her stand brave and humane and says she pledged royalties from her books and their BBC adaptations to support Palestine Action.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   15 Oct 2026, 10:56 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian calls Rooney’s stand on Palestine brave and humane and says she pledged royalties from her books and their BBC adaptations to support Palestine Action.

2. France 24

   16 Oct 2026, 06:15 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that UK booksellers are rushing to stock Rooney’s novels before distributors run out after she said they could no longer be sold in the UK because of her support for proscribed group Palestine Action.

3. Financial Times

   16 Oct 2026, 08:30 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times says Rooney’s books are not banned from the UK and that her decision to halt sales has put a spotlight on Palestine Action’s proscription and perceived shortcomings in the Terrorism Act.