September 18, 2025, 12:11pm
Sally Rooney, the iconic Millennial bard, can no longer safely enter the United Kingdom for fear of arrest.
The author behind Intermezzo and Normal People recently received English flack for her support of Palestine Action. And today, The Guardian reports that Rooney “could not travel to collect a literary prize this week over concerns that she may be arrested if she enters the UK.”
Rooney’s latest novel, Intermezzo, received a Sky Arts Award. Given by the Sky Group—self-described as one of Europe’s premier entertainment companies—the award recognizes “the absolute best of British and Irish arts and culture.” Statues were presented last night for high achievers in dance, film, comedy, theatre, and literature.
Rooney’s editor accepted her literature award by proxy, and read a statement on her behalf. “I wish that I could be with you this evening to accept the honor in person,” she told supporters, “but because of my support for non-violent anti-war protest, I’m advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest.”
Rooney got caught in the political crossfire after pledging to donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations to Palestine Action.
The British government classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in July, over loud protest from the pro-Palestinian movement. Formed in 2020, the group specializes in direct action campaigns. They target arms manufacturers with an eye to “preventing military targets in the UK from facilitating gross abuses of international law.” Tactics include destruction or defacement of property—like these Israel-bound fighter jets.
Since the new designation, it’s been illegal to be a member or voice support for PA’s actions. And last month, following protests, Downing Street came down especially hard on the group’s supporters. Metropolitan Police said the author could be “jailed for up to 14 years” if she were to make good on her promised support.
As the International Bar Association has pointed out, the government’s clampdown is historically unprecedented here, and marks a frightening shift in the redefinition of “terrorism” under UK law.
Palestine Action’s leaders are mounting a legal appeal to the proscription decision, which the government is obliged to hear. But as the case works its way through the systems, supporters will stay in a legal limbo. That could mean Rooney won’t be welcome on the island for a while.
The author, meanwhile, stays committed to Palestine. As she told supporters yesterday, “I want….to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine. Thank you.”