Paul Mescal, Susan Sarandon, others, condemn draconian anti-terror legislation: ‘Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist’
A repressive absurdity.
A major controversy is unfolding as leading figures in the arts world unite against recent U.K. legislation. Paul Mescal, Susan Sarandon, and many others are speaking out against laws affecting the work of author Sally Rooney. According to Al Jazeera, the situation centers on the classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This move by the British government has forced significant changes to the availability of literature.
The author has been told that future publication of her works in the U.K. could constitute a serious criminal offence. This stems from her decision to use royalties to support Palestine Action. The group was proscribed as a terrorist organization by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper in the summer of 2025. It is important to note that the group is not proscribed in Rooney’s native Republic of Ireland.
The response from the creative community has been swift and firm. Dozens of writers, actors, and activists signed an open letter published in the New Statesman. The letter serves as a direct challenge to the current legal framework. It brands the situation a repressive absurdity.
‘Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist’
The letter states, “Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist. Her books must be available to the public.” It continues, “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.”
The list of signatories is extensive and includes many high-profile names. Paul Mescal, who starred in the adaptation of Rooney’s book Normal People, is a prominent supporter. Daisy Edgar-Jones, his co-star, has also joined the call. Other signatories include vocal Palestinian activist Susan Sarandon, Tilda Swinton, and Jessie Buckley. The list also features writers like Zadie Smith, Arundhati Roy, and Naomi Klein. Filmmaker Jonathan Glazer and musician Kate Nash are also among those demanding change.
The publisher, Faber & Faber, has had to navigate the legal complexities of this situation. They explained their position in a statement to the press. The publisher noted that current legislation prevents them from passing on U.K. earnings to the author. They described this as an unconscionable situation for a publisher. Consequently, they decided to stop supplying her works in the UK in any format.
Faber & Faber remains the publisher for other territories. They expressed pride in Rooney’s body of work despite the local restrictions. E-books have been removed from sale alongside physical copies. Some physical copies may still be found in various shops.
Rooney addressed the situation with a public statement
The celebrated author explained that Palestine Action was proscribed in the U.K. in July 2025. LADBible reports that she wrote an opinion piece the following month. In that piece, she expressed her intention to keep supporting the group. She noted that the group is not prohibited in the Republic of Ireland.
The legal risks are clear for the author. She even cancelled a recent visit to the U.K. due to fears of arrest. Rooney stated, “As a result, the fulfilment of contracts to publish my work in the UK could now constitute a serious criminal offence.” She went on to say, “After a process of consultation and deliberation, and with my full agreement, my publisher Faber has therefore determined that it can no longer supply my work within the UK.”
The author remains firm in her stance. She has been very open about her beliefs throughout this process. She said, “I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions, and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences.”
The open letter concludes with a direct request to the government. It urges officials to change course and amend the legislation. The signatories reject all forms of censorship. They believe the current path is unsustainable.
The timing of this protest is significant
The Supreme Court is set to hear a case on the ban in two weeks. This legal challenge could reshape the application of these anti-terror laws.
The impact on readers is also a major point of discussion. Rooney has written four best-selling novels. Her work has sold more than six million copies globally. The removal of her books from the U.K. market affects a large audience. It is an unusual moment for modern literature. The intersection of politics and publishing has created a difficult environment for everyone involved.
The conversation around free speech and government power is growing louder. Rooney’s case will be a defining moment for how such laws are viewed. The support from figures like Mescal and Sarandon adds weight to the growing public debate. It is clear that the creative community is not backing down. They intend to keep the focus on the implications of this legislation for writers everywhere.
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