Normal People writer says she can’t enter UK in case of arrest

Author Sally Rooney stated she didn’t journey to the UK to gather a ebook prize this week as she was involved she could also be arrested over her assist of British group Palestine Action.

The Irish novelist has been donating cash to the group, which was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK authorities in July, after activists broke into an RAF base and broken two army plane earlier this yr.

Palestine Action has been concentrating on arms corporations since warfare broke out in Gaza in 2023.

Rooney, 34, who received a Sky Arts award for novel Intermezzo, stated in an announcement learn out for her on the ceremony: “I’m advised that I can no longer safely enter the UK without potentially facing arrest”.

The assertion, learn by Rooney’s writer Alex Bowler, additionally stated: “I wish that I could be with you this evening to accept the honour in person,” including that she was displaying “support for non-violent anti-war protest”.

“In that context, I want to thank you all the more warmly for honouring my work tonight, and to reiterate my belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, and my solidarity with the people of Palestine,” it additionally stated.

The authorities proscribed Palestine Action below anti-terrorism laws in July, making membership of or assist for the group a prison offence, punishable by as much as 14 years in jail.

Rooney said in August she was utilizing the proceeds from her 4 books and earnings from the BBC TV diversifications of Normal People and Conversations with Friends to assist Palestine Action.

She shouldn’t be at the moment working with the BBC on any upcoming tasks and has by no means been a member of workers.

Last week, 890 people were arrested at an indication in opposition to the ban on Palestine Action in London on Saturday in response to the Metropolitan Police.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated final week: Supporting Palestine and supporting a proscribed terrorist group are usually not the identical factor.”

She additionally stated she “backed officers” who had arrested these supporting the group.