Palestine Action, Sally Rooney’s books and the absurd fallout of a UK ban
Por Cliff Buddle — South China Morning Post – News feed
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Opinion Cliff Buddle Palestine Action, Sally Rooney’s books and the absurd fallout of a UK ban
Books withdrawn. Elderly supporters arrested. The issue concerns the extent laws purporting to protect national security curb free expression
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Cliff Buddle A journalist for more than 30 years, Cliff Buddle began his career as a court reporter in London and moved to Hong Kong in 1994 to join the SCMP. Published: 8:30pm, 19 Oct 2026
Irish writer Sally Rooney is a publishing sensation, often described as the “voice of a generation” and the first great millennial novelist. More than six million copies of her books have been sold globally since her debut novel in 2017.
But now, these beautifully written literary bestsellers, with their youthful exploration of romance and relationships, class and technology, are being withdrawn from sale in the United Kingdom.
The generation of royalties for Rooney from the book sales, the author and her British publisher fear, might breach UK anti-terrorism laws carrying a maximum 14-year jail term.
Rooney, who lives in Ireland, feels unable to visit Britain, believing she could be arrested. Last week, publisher Faber revealed the drastic step to stop supplying her books to the UK. It is a crazy situation. Select Voice Select Speed 0.8x 0.9x 1.0x 1.1x 1.2x 1.5x 1.75x 00:00 00:00 1x AI-generated voice