Irvine Welsh reacts to Sally Rooney’s books being withdrawn in the UK | BBC Politics Live

Normal People author Sally Rooney’s books will no longer be supplied to UK booksellers after her decision to continue supporting Palestine Action, which was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in 2025. The decision has prompted a debate about freedom of expression, with dozens of cultural figures signing an open letter in the New Statesman condemning what they call “ill-conceived and draconian anti-terror legislation”. One of the signatories, Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh, told the BBC's Politics Live: “Sally Rooney is not a terrorist, why has she been treated so by this legislation?” Presenter Elizabeth Glinka was joined by Labour MP Jeevun Sandher, Conservative MP Andrew Bowie, and academic and writer Dalia Gebrial. For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news