160 Cultural Figures Sign Open Letter Opposing UK Ban on Sally Rooney’s Books

The Reader Times desk 22 October 2026 Based on Livres Hebdo reporting

Engraved illustration of a writer’s study with books, a desk and warm window light. — Editorial illustration for The Reader Times.

A coalition of nearly 160 cultural personalities has issued an open letter condemning the United Kingdom’s decision to ban the sale of Irish author Sally Rooney’s books, citing the author’s support for the banned group Palestine Action.

In a coordinated effort, the letter was signed by a wide array of artists, writers, and cultural leaders who argue that the UK’s ban on Sally Rooney’s works is an unjust restriction on literary freedom. The authors of the letter claim that Rooney’s support for the group Palestine Action should not be used as a basis for prohibiting her books from the market.

The open letter, published by Livres Hebdo, highlights concerns that the ban could set a dangerous precedent for censorship of political views expressed by authors. Signatories emphasize the importance of protecting the rights of readers to access literature regardless of the political positions of its creators.

While the UK government has not yet responded to the letter, the move has drawn attention to the broader debate over the intersection of politics and publishing. The ban, which targets all sales of Rooney’s titles within the UK, has sparked criticism from literary circles worldwide.