In This Article

  • Sally Rooney Defies UK Ban on Palestine Action
  • Escalating Tensions Over Protest Tactics and Arrests
  • Cultural Boycott and Previous Stances on Palestinian Causes
  • Government Cites Security Concerns and Legal Rationale
  • Conflict Context and International Debate on Protest Rights

Key Takeaways

  • Sally Rooney pledges continued support for Palestine Action despite UK's terrorist designation, directing book royalties and influence to the group.
  • The UK banned Palestine Action in July 2025, citing extremist tactics, while Rooney argues the move infringes on protest rights and solidarity with Palestinians.
  • Rooney’s stance aligns with her past activism, including a 2021 boycott of Israeli publishers, and reflects growing tensions between free speech and security concerns.
  • The controversy highlights escalating violence in Gaza, with over 61,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, amid international debates over Israel’s military actions.
  • Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defends the ban, alleging Palestine Action’s tactics—such as targeting arms firms—are beyond lawful protest, while Rooney accuses the UK of eroding freedoms to protect Israeli relations.

Writer Takes Stand Amid Government Crackdown

Irish literary sensation Sally Rooney has declared her unwavering support for Palestine Action, the UK-based activist group recently proscribed as a terrorist organization. In a Irish Times op-ed, the Normal People author stated she will channel book royalties and public influence to sustain backing for the group, asserting: "If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it."

Escalating Tensions Over Protest Tactics

The controversy follows Home Secretary Yvette Cooper's defense of the July 2025 ban, arguing Palestine Action's activities exceed typical protest methods. The group—known for targeting arms firms linked to Israel—faces over 700 arrests since prohibition, including 500 during a recent London demonstration. Notable actions include a £7 million damage incident at RAF Brize Norton and a 2024 break-in at Elbit Systems UK in Bristol, currently headed for trial.

Cultural Boycott Echoes Previous Stances

Rooney's position aligns with her 2021 refusal to authorize Hebrew translations of her work through Israeli publishers, citing solidarity with Palestinian causes. She now directs residuals from BBC adaptations of her novels toward Palestine Action, though the broadcaster clarified such matters fall to "relevant authorities."

Government Cites Security Concerns

Cooper referenced an alleged "Underground Manual" detailing evasion tactics and target selection, labeling these strategies incompatible with lawful protest. Meanwhile, Rooney condemned the UK's restrictions as eroding "basic rights and freedoms" to protect Israeli relations.

Conflict Context and International Debate

The dispute unfolds against Gaza's escalating death toll—over 61,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, per Hamas-run health authorities—and Israel's rejection of genocide allegations. Human rights groups continue challenging Israel's military conduct, as global scrutiny intensifies over protest rights versus national security priorities.

Tags:

#Israel-Gaza conflict #Sally Rooney #Palestine Action #UK Terrorism Ban #Free Speech