Why did Sally Rooney pledge fees to Palestine Action?

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Sally Rooney Pledges Book Adaptation Fees to Palestine Action

Sally Rooney has pledged the fees generated from two BBC adaptations of her novels to the Palestine Action group. She announced her intention to use these proceeds and her public platform to support the group and its direct action against genocide. Rooney stated her decision, choosing to publicise it in the Irish Times because doing so in a UK publication would now be illegal.
Support for Direct Action Against Genocide

Rooney explicitly stated her intention to use the fees from BBC adaptations of her books and her public platform to support Palestine Action and "direct action against genocide." She expressed solidarity with the group, asserting, "If this makes me a ‘supporter of terror’ under UK law, so be it." This declaration highlights her alignment with the group's objectives and her willingness to face legal repercussions in the UK.
Palestine Action's Ban and Activities

Palestine Action was banned as a terrorist group in the UK in early July. This ban came into effect shortly after the group claimed responsibility for damaging two aircraft at an air force base, an action estimated to have caused £7.0 million in damage. The group stated that its activists were responding to Britain's indirect military support for Israel during the war in Gaza. Supporting or being a member of Palestine Action is now a criminal offence in Britain, carrying a potential penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
Government Response and Legal Implications

The UK government has defended the proscription of Palestine Action, with the interior minister Yvette Cooper stating that national security and public safety are top priorities and that the organisation is not non-violent. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated that supporting a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act and that the police are responsible for implementing the law. This stance underscores the legal ramifications for individuals supporting or associating with the banned group.
International Reaction

The ambassador of the state of Palestine in Ireland, Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, commended Rooney for her actions. Abdalmajid praised Rooney for "using her voice to call out international law and human rights violations in Palestine," expressing hope that such advocacy would lead to practical steps to halt the ongoing events in Palestine. Ireland had formally recognised a Palestinian state earlier in 2024, leading to the appointment of a full Palestinian ambassador in November.

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Why did Sally Rooney pledge fees to Palestine Action?

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