More than 150 writers and personalities signed an open letter urging the UK government to amend its ban on Palestine Action. The Labour government proscribed Palestine Action as a "terrorist" group in July 2025, placing the organisation on the same blacklist as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Thousands of people were arrested for protesting against the move. Sally Rooney and her publisher Faber announced last week that they had to end the sale of her books in the UK.
Faber stated the ban meant it could not legally pass on royalties earned in the UK to Rooney. Rooney intends to fund Palestine Action, which aims to end "global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime."
The open letter, also signed by actors Paul Mescal and Tilda Swinton, stated: "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." Notable figures including Nobel laureates Annie Ernaux and Anne Carson signed the letter, asserting that "Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist. Her books must be available to the public."
The letter further described the withdrawal of books from sale as "an affront to basic principles of free speech and expression so long taken for granted in this country." Palestine Action is not proscribed by Ireland.
Police said the social media post by Sarah Helm did not merit a criminal investigation, despite looking into the post for supporting the group last week. Britain's Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal against the ban from Huda Ammori next month.
