More than 150 writers urge UK to amend law proscribing Palestine Action after Sally Rooney ends UK book sales under anti-terrorism rules

More than 150 writers and prominent figures have signed an open letter urging the UK government to amend the law behind its ban on Palestine Action. The appeal follows Irish author Sally Rooney’s decision to stop the sale of her books in Britain.

The signatories include Nobel laureates Annie Ernaux and Anne Carson, as well as actors Paul Mescal and Tilda Swinton. They stressed that Rooney is a writer and that her books should remain available to the public.

Rooney and her publisher, Faber, announced last week that they had to end UK book sales because anti-terrorism laws prevent royalties earned in the country from being legally transferred. The signatories described the withdrawal as an affront to basic principles of free speech and urged the government to change course and amend the legislation.

The Labour government has faced heavy criticism for proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist group in July 2025, a move that has led to thousands of arrests among protesters. The proscription followed high-profile protests against the war in Gaza that targeted weapons facilities.

The UK Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an appeal against the ban from the group’s co-founder next month.