Sally Rooney Vows Support for Banned Palestine Action Amid UK Arrests

Irish novelist Sally Rooney has publicly vowed to support Palestine Action, a British pro-Palestinian direct action group recently banned as a terrorist organization by the UK government. Rooney announced her intention to use royalties from her works, including BBC adaptations of her novels, to fund the group, stating that if this makes her a supporter of terror under UK law, "so be it." Palestine Action has been proscribed following its members' direct actions, such as damaging military aircraft, which led to arrests and significant property damage. Rooney condemned the UK government's crackdown on the group and criticized what she views as a disproportionate response to peaceful protests, highlighting the arrest of over 700 supporters, including 500 in a single day. The UK Home Secretary defended the proscription, emphasizing that Palestine Action is more than a protest group and involves serious illegal activities. Rooney's stance has sparked debate over free speech and civil liberties amid ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.