The government has denied allegations of mistreating Palestine Action activists who are currently on hunger strike in prison, with a minister stating the government is "not trying to break the bodies" of the protesters. This comes after a doctor claimed that eight of the activists were dying due to their protest. Two of the hunger strikers reached day 47 of their protest, while a third was on day 46 on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The prisoners are facing charges related to alleged break-ins or criminal damage on behalf of Palestine Action, a group that was banned under terrorism legislation in July. They deny these charges and are demanding their release. Independent MP Adnan Hussain raised concerns in the Commons, stating that remand should not "break bodies or silence dissent," and highlighted that young people are risking death to be heard. Sir Alan Campbell, the Commons leader, dismissed these allegations, asserting that the welfare and wellbeing of all prisoners are paramount to the prison service.
Dr. James Smith, an emergency physician and lecturer at University College London, publicly stated that some of the hunger strikers were dying and required specialist medical help. He expressed alarm at accounts of substandard monitoring and treatment within the prison system. A group of 51 MPs and peers, including Jeremy Corbyn, wrote to Justice Secretary David Lammy, urging him to meet with the lawyers of the eight prisoners due to concerns about prison guidelines for hunger strikes not being followed. Corbyn emphasized the Ministry of Justice's responsibility for the welfare and medical condition of prisoners. Justice Secretary David Lammy, however, has refused to meet with the activists' lawyers, citing data protection rules and stating that established procedures are being followed. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also affirmed that "rules and procedures" for hunger strikes are being followed.
The hunger strikers' demands include immediate bail, an end to the ban on Palestine Action, and the ability to communicate without censorship. Some of the activists have been in pre-trial detention for over a year, with trial dates extending into 2026 and 2027. One hunger striker, Qesser Zuhrah, was taken to hospital after 46 days without food, having experienced severe chest pain and breathlessness. Concerns have been raised by her lawyers about inadequate electrolyte provision and a previous instance where an ambulance was reportedly denied entry to the prison.