Children's Laureates to Donate Book Royalties to Author Sally Rooney Amid UK Sales Halting Controversy

Children's Laureates Pledge Royalties

The children's literature laureates for Wales and Ireland, Nicola Davies and Chris Haughton, announced they will donate their book royalties to author Sally Rooney. The decision follows Rooney's move to halt the supply of her novels to UK booksellers over concerns regarding her support for Palestine Action.

Rooney previously stated an intention to use her royalties to support the group, despite the UK government proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in 2025 following incidents including a breach at RAF Brize Norton.

Motivations and Statements

Nicola Davies stated that her decision is grounded in humanitarian concern for children affected by the conflict in Gaza. Davies explained she would donate royalties from her book *The Day War Came* to Rooney as an act of solidarity.

• Davies emphasized the impact of the conflict on children in Gaza.
• Chris Haughton, the Irish children's laureate, also pledged proceeds from his UK book sales to Rooney, noting in a statement that he could not work while atrocities continue.
• Both authors clarified their actions are directed toward supporting Rooney rather than directly funding a proscribed organization.

Background on UK Sales and Proscription

According to NielsenIQ BookData, Rooney has sold millions of books globally, including millions in the UK, with titles such as *Normal People*, *Intermezzo*, *Conversations With Friends*, and *Beautiful World, Where Are You*. While ebook editions have been removed from UK sales, existing physical stock remains in some bookshops.

The UK Home Office maintained that financial support intended to benefit a proscribed organization violates the law, while noting that lawful protest remains a protected democratic right. Official figures and reports concerning the broader conflict in Gaza, including casualty statistics cited from the territory's health ministry and United Nations assessments, continue to draw international attention and humanitarian concern.

Verification and Further Details

Readers seeking to verify official government statements regarding proscribed organizations and policy positions can consult records from the UK Parliament and the Home Office. Further context on publishing figures is available through industry analysts such as NielsenIQ BookData.