Hunger Strike by Palestine Action-Affiliated Prisoners in UK Amidst Government Proscription and Calls for Engagement
A hunger strike involving Palestine Action-affiliated remand prisoners in the UK has raised significant concerns as several participants have suffered severe health deterioration, including hospitalisations and collapses. Among those on day 48 of the strike is 20-year-old Qesser Zuhrah, and 30-year-old Amu Gib has also been treated. Multiple others have maintained the protest for over 40 days, with two individuals ending their hunger strike following hospitalisation.
These prisoners are remanded for alleged offences including criminal damage, aggravated burglary, and violent disorder linked to an incident at an Elbit Systems factory in Filton near Bristol, as well as a separate case at RAF Brize Norton. They have been held in custody for over a year awaiting trial, with some not scheduled to be tried until 2027.
Their demands include immediate bail, the lifting of restrictions on communications within prison, and the removal of the ban on Palestine Action. This government proscription of Palestine Action, imposed in July 2025, has coincided with around 1,600 arrests within three months following the ban. Huda Ammori has launched a legal challenge contesting the proscription.
Independent reviews of terrorism laws have recommended implementing time limits on proscription orders. The editorial urges the government to reconsider its approach immediately rather than await a high court ruling. There is a call for ministers to engage proactively on issues concerning bail and prison communication policies.
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle criticized the failure of Minister Lammy to respond to MPs regarding information about the hunger strikers, describing this silence as unacceptable. Additionally, Keir Starmer's response to the issue during Prime Minister's Questions was described as perfunctory.
The Guardian's viewpoint contrasts government responses to this protest with the situation in Gaza, criticizing what it perceives as government inaction and indifference toward casualties in Gaza while implementing stringent measures against protests within the UK.
A vigil was held in Cambridge on 14 December 2025 to support the hunger strikers, signaling ongoing public concern for their wellbeing and demands.
