Literary and Acting Giants Denounce UK's Anti-Terror Law in Support of Sally Rooney

Dozens of prominent writers, actors, and activists have voiced their condemnation of a UK law used to proscribe Palestine Action, labeling it a "repressive absurdity" in an open letter. This collective statement offers support to Irish novelist Sally Rooney, whose books have recently been withdrawn from sale in the United Kingdom.

The open letter emerged after Rooney disclosed that her books were no longer available for purchase in the UK due to her public endorsement of Palestine Action, a group designated as a "terrorist organisation" by the British government. Among the signatories are acclaimed actors Paul Mescal, known for his role in an adaptation of Rooney's "Normal People," Susan Sarandon, and Tilda Swinton. Broadcaster Gary Lineker and celebrated writers such as Arundhati Roy, Naomi Klein, JM Coetzee, Zadie Smith, and William Dalrymple have also added their names to the letter. Filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, philosopher Slavoj Zizek, musician Kate Nash, and the Irish hip-hop group Kneecap are among the other notable figures who have signed.

The letter emphatically states, "Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist. Her books must be available to the public." It further argues that the withdrawal of her works, based on "ill-conceived and draconian anti-terror legislation," constitutes an "affront to basic principles of free speech and expression so long taken for granted in this country."

This significant letter is featured on the cover of this week’s New Statesman magazine, preceding a Supreme Court hearing on the ban scheduled in two weeks. The signatories declared, "We categorically reject censorship – whether direct or indirect – and urge the government to change course, amending the legislation which has led us to this point of repressive absurdity."

Rooney's publisher, Faber & Faber, explained on Wednesday that the decision to withdraw the books was due to "circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work," deeming continued sales an "unconscionable situation for a publisher." Rooney herself has indicated that further publication of her work could be considered a "serious criminal offence." She affirmed her commitment to transparency regarding her beliefs and intentions, stating she was "wholly prepared to accept the consequences." While e-books of Rooney’s work have also been removed from sale in the UK, some physical copies are still accessible in bookshops. Rooney has authored four best-selling novels, achieving global sales exceeding six million copies.