Sally Rooney, the bestselling author of popular novels such as ‘Normal People,’ has revealed her plan to donate proceeds from her work, including royalties from the BBC, to the controversial organisation Palestine Action. This group was recently proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Support for Palestine Action
In an op-ed published in The Irish Times, Rooney confirmed her ongoing support for Palestine Action, an activist group that campaigns against what it claims to be genocide. Despite its UK ban, Rooney stated, “I intend to use the proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform, to support Palestine Action in any way I can.”
Rooney highlighted her financial ties to the UK, saying, “My books are still widely available in Britain, and the BBC continues to pay residual fees for screen adaptations of my work.”
A History of Activism
Rooney is no stranger to activism regarding Palestine. In 2021, she refused to allow her book Beautiful World, Where Are You to be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli publisher, citing solidarity with calls to boycott Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. Earlier this year, she also criticised the proscription of Palestine Action in an article for The Guardian, referring to the ban as an “alarming attack on free speech.”
Government Criticism
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the ban on Palestine Action, describing it as more than “a regular protest group known for occasional stunts.” Cooper added that while freedom of speech and protest are integral to democracy, Palestine Action’s activities have escalated beyond peaceful demonstrations.
The group was proscribed under the UK’s Terrorism Act in July 2023, which has led to the arrest of over 700 individuals as part of law enforcement’s crackdown on supporters displaying signs or placards affiliated with Palestine Action.
Upcoming Protests
Defend Our Juries, a group opposing the ban, has announced a mass protest scheduled for September 6 in London. Organisers predict the event will attract double the number of protesters as the last demonstration, which saw 532 arrests. Defend Our Juries aims to gather at least 1,000 participants, believing this show of strength could influence government policy.
Among those detained during previous events was Sir Jonathon Porritt, a former government adviser, who expressed his pride in being arrested while protesting.
Despite the controversy surrounding her stance, Sally Rooney’s decision underscores the intersection of art, activism, and political discourse.
