27 October 2026

Leading figures have sent an open letter to the ‘New Statesman’ in defence of Sally Rooney. She has become famous as a writer of popular novels which are full of romance. ‘Normal People’ is one. When it was dramatized on the television, it generated Paul Mescal’s stellar career.

‘Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist.’ they say. ‘Her books must be available to the public. Their withdrawal from sale, on the basis of ill-conceived and draconian anti-terror legislation, is an affront to basic principles of free speech and expression so long taken for granted in this country …’

At the heart of this situation is the government’s ‘Terrorism Act’ which has proscribed the organisation, ‘Palestinian Action’. They have supported the Palestinians in Gaza and argue that the Israelis have been guilty of genocide in their military attacks.

Sally Rooney’s predicament is consequent on her support of this proscribed organisation and her intention to give royalties to it. As a result, these circumstances have  put her publishers in a difficult position. She is one of their most popular writers but if they hand over royalties to her, they may be sanctioned!

As a result of this fear, her books have been withdrawn. This is extraordinary because her books have nothing to do with the warfare in the Middle East but with love! Does her publicised support of this proscribed organisation merit the censorship of her novels?

The people who have signed this open letter conclude, ‘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.’ Books have always been powerful allies of free speech and fearful enemies of those who want to limit the freedom of others.