Tanjil Rashid argues that the removal of Sally Rooney’s books from sale is an assault on freedom of speech, and he is supported by a splendid list of signatories (The NS Essay and Cover Story, 23 October). It is an attractive argument but one that rests on the assumption that the law should not apply to those whose cause is just.
There are some who believe that the right thing to do is to provide financial support to al-Qaeda. Should they be free to do so if they can find enough writers to agree with them? There are a number of people I profoundly disagree with; should I be free to punch them on the nose if I can enlist sufficient supporters?
Sally Rooney’s choice
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This article appears in the 28 Oct 2026 issue of the New Statesman, Bin the Budget
