Author Sally Rooney, renowned Irish writer, commits UK television earnings to a pro-Palestine organization that has been banned.
British Author Sally Rooney Stands by Support for Palestine Action
Sally Rooney, the acclaimed Irish author of "Normal People," has publicly declared her support for Palestine Action, a group recently banned as a terrorist organization under UK law. In an article published in The Irish Times, Rooney criticized the UK government's measures criminalizing support for Palestine Action and expressed her intention to continue supporting them, even if it means facing legal repercussions [1][2][5].
Rooney's stance has placed her in a legally sensitive position under UK law, as supporting proscribed terrorist organizations is illegal under the Terrorism Act. Authorities may scrutinize her activities, including financial contributions to Palestine Action [2]. However, as of the current information available, no public legal action against Rooney has been reported [2].
The proscription of Palestine Action followed a break-in at an air force base that caused over £7.0 million ($9.3 million) of damage [3]. The activists of Palestine Action claimed their actions were in response to Britain's indirect military support for Israel during the war in Gaza [5].
Reactions to Rooney's stance have been mixed. Supporters emphasize the disproportionate response by the UK government and frame her as exercising her right to political speech and solidarity with Palestine. Critics and UK government authorities view Palestine Action's proscription as a necessary counter-terrorism measure [4].
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official spokesperson declined to comment specifically on Rooney's comments but stated that supporting a proscribed organization is an offence under the Terrorism Act [3]. Britain's interior minister, Yvette Cooper, defended the Labour government's proscription of Palestine Action, stating that "UK national security and public safety must always be our top priority" [3].
Rooney's decision to publish her article in The Irish Times rather than a UK newspaper was a deliberate move, as the UK banning Palestine Action as a terrorist group could potentially make such a statement illegal in the UK [1]. Rooney also highlighted the irony that her books continue to be published and promoted in the UK, with institutions like the BBC broadcasting adaptations of her work and paying her residual fees, which she intends to donate to Palestine Action [1][2][5].
This situation highlights tensions between freedom of expression, anti-terrorism legislation, and political activism. Rooney's vocal and financial support for Palestine Action invites both legal and public controversies [1][2][5].
[1] AFP (2025) [2] The Guardian (2025) [3] BBC News (2025) [4] The Irish Times (2025) [5] The New York Times (2025)
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