Irish author, millennial literary voice, public commentator
Labour has ended local power-sharing with Green councils where the Greens back a motion denouncing Zionism as racism and calling for a single Palestinian state. The move follows rising tensions after Green members voted that Zionism is racism and Labour's ultimatum to Green groups to disown the policy.
Daisy Edgar-Jones says Sense and Sensibility remains timely as a new adaptation highlights the Dashwood sisters’ pursuit of love within strict social boundaries. Esmé Creed-Miles plays Marianne in the latest film, which honors Austen while offering a fresh, 2026 perspective.
The 2026 Booker Prize shortlist has been announced, featuring six novels from Jamaica to Scotland. Jurors led by Mary Beard highlight risk-taking writing, with contenders including Marlon James, Elizabeth Strout, Rebecca Perry, Douglas Stuart, M. John Harrison, and Luke Kennard. The winner will be named on November 9 in London.
Sally Rooney has agreed with publisher Faber that her books will no longer be supplied in the UK because current UK terrorism legislation has made it impossible for the publisher to pass UK earnings to her after she pledged to fund Palestine Action. E‑books have been removed; some physical stock remains. The Supreme Court will hear an appeal next month.
The UK government’s proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation has been upheld, leading Faber to halt supply of Sally Rooney’s novels in Britain. Authors and publishers are weighing free-speech concerns against security measures, while stores adjust stock amid confusion over law. Britain is pursuing a balance between protest rights and security.
Sarah Helm’s X post praising Palestine Action is being assessed by the Metropolitan Police after publishers faced backlash over Sally Rooney’s UK sales. Officials say the post did not meet the criminal threshold and no action is planned. Palestine Action remains proscribed under UK law.
Children’s laureates Chris Haughton and Nicola Davies have said they will donate forthcoming UK royalties to Sally Rooney after her UK publisher stopped supplying her books. Rooney has said she will give proceeds to Palestine Action, a group proscribed under UK terrorism law; Faber and Rooney agreed to halt UK sales because the publisher cannot pass on UK earnings.
The UN General Assembly has approved a resolution condemning the US embargo on Cuba by 130 votes to 17, with 25 abstentions. The vote has taken place as the Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure, including an effective fuel blockade that has caused widespread blackouts and shortages in Cuba, and US officials have openly discussed military options and covert engagement with dissidents.
Sweden’s climate academic Andreas Malm has been denied entry to the UK, where he was due to speak with Huda Ammori of Palestine Action. The Home Office has not provided details, while Malm suggests the ban could be linked to his comments on Israel and the 7 October attacks. Britain’s Supreme Court is due to hear Palestine Action’s proscription appeal next week.
Protests against the UK government’s 2025 proscription of Palestine Action have escalated, with hundreds detained outside the US Embassy as Supreme Court hearings begin. Police say arrests exceed 4,000, while campaigners condemn the move as a suppression of free speech amid legal challenges.