Irish author, Sally Rooney, has pledged to continue backing Palestine Action despite its recent proscription by the UK government as a terrorist organisation.
The award-winning novelist said she will use her literary earnings and public platform to support “direct action against genocide.”
Writing in the Irish Times, Rooney acknowledged the risks of her stance, remarking that “if this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it.”
She said: “If the Government in Dublin truly believes that Israel is committing genocide, how can it look elsewhere while its nearest neighbour funds and supports that genocide and its own citizens are arrested simply for speaking out?”
Rooney, who achieved international recognition through novels such as Normal People and Beautiful World, Where Are You, has long been vocal in her criticism of Israeli policy towards Palestinians.
In 2021 she declined to allow a Hebrew translation of her book through an Israeli publisher, citing support for the cultural boycott of Israel. She said at the time it would be “an honour” to have her work translated to Hebrew by any other company that shared her political views.
In her latest column, Rooney stated she would continue to direct funds from her literary career — including royalties from BBC adaptations of Normal People and Conversations with Friends — towards supporting Palestine Action. The BBC clarified that Rooney is not a member of staff and has no upcoming projects with the broadcaster.
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Rooney also accused the UK government of eroding civil liberties in its attempt to protect relations with Israel. “The present government has willingly stripped its own citizens of basic rights and freedoms, including the right to express dissenting opinions, in order to protect its relationship with Israel.”she wrote. She warned that the consequences for cultural and intellectual life in Britain “are and will be profound.”
UK govt’s defence of the ban
Rooney’s intervention comes after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the government’s decision to outlaw Palestine Action in July.
Cooper argued that it was more than “a regular protest group known for occasional stunts”.
Writing in the Observer, Home Secretary Cooper stated that many people were aware of the Brize Norton case but less familiar with other incidents. She argued that Palestine Action operates in ways that threaten public safety and national security.
Cooper cited the group’s so-called Underground Manual, which allegedly advises activists on identifying targets and avoiding arrest. She said the document was proof that Palestine Action is “not the actions of a legitimate protest group” but an organisation committed to destructive acts.
She further claimed to have seen disturbing intelligence suggesting future plots were being discussed.
Background on Palestine Action
Palestine Action, established in the UK as a pro-Palestinian direct action network, has primarily targeted companies linked to armament companies linked to supplying Israel with weapons.
Members of the group have carried out numerous operations, including breaking into RAF Brize Norton and painting two military planes red. The incident caused damage estimated at £7 million.
The group has raided offices belonging to Elbit Systems, the Israeli defence firm which has long been a central focus of their campaigns.
In August 2024, individuals alleged to be associated with Palestine Action were accused of breaking into Elbit’s Bristol site. Eighteen people are due to stand trial later this year facing charges ranging from criminal damage to aggravated burglary. All deny the allegations.
Since the group was banned on July 5, police have arrested more than 700 people. Over 500 of those arrests took place during a demonstration in central London last week.
