Key Points
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the decision to proscribe Palestine Action, saying terrorist designations follow a statutory legal process.
- SDLP leader Claire Hanna challenged the Prime Minister on the ban during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.
- Author Sally Rooney and publisher Faber stopped distributing her books in the UK after she pledged her royalties to Palestine Action.
- Faber said British anti-terrorism laws prevent it from paying UK earnings to Rooney, calling the situation unconscionable for a publisher.
- Hanna told Parliament the proscription threatens free speech and peaceful protesters across the country.
London (Oxford Daily) October 21, 2026 — Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the government’s proscription of direct-action protest group Palestine Action on October 21, 2026, insisting that any decisions to outlaw organisations in the United Kingdom undergo a rigorous and legal process.
The Prime Minister made the statement during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons after Member of Parliament Claire Hanna pressed the government to review the ban, citing the withdrawal of bestselling author Sally Rooney’s books from British booksellers as a stark blow to freedom of expression.
Why Did MPs Raise Palestine Action In Parliament?
As reported by political correspondent Jane Croft of The Independent, Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Claire Hanna urged the Prime Minister to commit to reviewing the ban placed upon Palestine Action.
Addressing the chamber, Claire Hanna highlighted how current counter-terrorism measures had led to the halting of work by world-renowned Irish author Sally Rooney across the United Kingdom.
Claire Hanna stated that “Irish writer Sally Rooney’s publisher announced that it would stop distributing her books across the UK because she’s donating her royalties to Palestine Action, proscribed by Keir Starmer’s government“.
The Belfast South and Mid Down MP noted that while the UK government has previously acknowledged that past diplomatic responses regarding Gaza were inadequate, the proscription continues to carry “extraordinary consequences for freedom of expression”.
Claire Hanna added that constituents in her home region were currently facing severe terror charges for engaging in peaceful protest activity, prompting her direct appeal to the Prime Minister to review the proscription decision.
How Did Prime Minister Keir Starmer Respond?
Responding directly to the query from Claire Hanna, Prime Minister Keir Starmer maintained that the proscription mechanism is governed by strict statutory rules and independent security assessments.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that “The matter is a live legal case, so I won’t comment further than that”.
The Prime Minister declined to detail specific ongoing legal proceedings involving Palestine Action, reiterating that designated bans are maintained through established government and security channels to safeguard national security.
Why Were Sally Rooney’s Books Withdrawn In The UK?
As reported by reporting staff at CBS News, publisher Faber and author Sally Rooney jointly agreed to suspend the distribution of her titles across British retail outlets.
Sally Rooney, the author behind award-winning novels Normal People and Conversations with Friends, previously announced her intention to allocate proceeds from her literary works to Palestine Action.
Under current British anti-terrorism legislation, transferring funds or providing financial support to a proscribed organisation is a criminal offence.
In a public statement issued by Faber, the publishing house clarified that the law prevented them from fulfilling their financial duties to the writer.
Faber stated that “Current legislation in the UK has led to circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work. To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher”.
“Current legislation in the UK has led to circumstances where Faber cannot pass on UK earnings to Sally Rooney for her work. To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher,” declared publishing house Faber in an official public statement.
“Will the Prime Minister commit to reviewing the proscription of Palestine Action and righting this unnecessary problem?” asked SDLP leader Claire Hanna during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.
How Did Sally Rooney Clarify Her Position On Palestine Action?
As reported by literary writer Zoe Williams of The Guardian, Sally Rooney publicly addressed the legal and logistical challenges surrounding her royalties and publishing contracts in the UK.
In an earlier piece published in The Irish Times, Sally Rooney wrote: “I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can”.
Following Faber’s decision to halt distribution, Sally Rooney confirmed that the direct-action group does not hold proscribed or banned status within the Republic of Ireland, where she lives and operates.
Sally Rooney noted that after extensive consultation with her publisher, both parties agreed that attempting to fulfill UK publication contracts while transferring earnings could expose individuals to serious criminal liability under British law.
Background Of The Development
The legal dispute stems from the UK government’s decision to ban Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act. The designation marked the first time a direct-action climate or political protest group was proscribed under counter-terrorism powers usually reserved for militant groups.
Palestine Action previously made headlines by targeting factories and offices associated with defence supply chains across the UK. Following the proscription, membership, financial contribution, or public expression of support for the group became criminalised under UK counter-terrorism laws, carrying penalties including prison sentences.
Future Impact And Prediction
This development signals a significant legal precedent for publishers, authors, international artists, and political campaigners operating within the United Kingdom.
Impact On The Publishing And Creative Arts Sector
For authors and creative artists, the ongoing ban creates complex legal risks regarding public campaigning and royalty distribution. International creators who donate earnings to groups banned in the UK but permitted elsewhere will likely face distribution restrictions, potential contract cancellations, or total market withdrawal across British retail chains.
Impact On Legal Precedents And Civil Liberties Advocates
For civil liberties groups, legal charities, and human rights advocates, the stance taken by the Prime Minister indicates that the UK government is unlikely to voluntarily reverse or loosen counter-terrorism proscriptions without formal judicial rulings. Supporters and protestors face continuing legal exposure under counter-terrorism statutes when participating in campaigns or fundraising connected to designated organisations.
