Palestine Action Hunger Strike: Minister Denies Abuse

Published: 19 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A senior government minister has firmly denied accusations that authorities are mistreating Palestine Action activists currently on prolonged hunger strike within the prison system. The comments came amid growing political pressure and medical concern, as doctors and MPs warned that several detainees face life-threatening conditions. The case has intensified debate about remand practices, protest rights, and the state’s duty of care toward prisoners engaging in extreme forms of dissent.

The hunger strike involves activists charged over alleged break-ins and criminal damage linked to Palestine Action protests earlier this year. These incidents occurred before the organisation was proscribed under terrorism legislation in July, a move that remains deeply controversial. The defendants deny all charges and argue that their actions constituted legitimate protest rather than criminal conduct. They have repeatedly called for the charges to be withdrawn, describing their detention as politically motivated.

By Thursday, two prisoners had reached the forty-seventh day without food, while another had entered day forty-six. Medical experts have warned that such prolonged fasting places individuals at serious risk of organ failure, permanent damage, and death. The situation has prompted urgent appeals from doctors, lawyers, and parliamentarians, all calling for immediate intervention and dialogue.

The issue was raised during the Commons Christmas adjournment debate by Adnan Hussain, the independent MP for Blackburn. He told MPs that remand is not intended as punishment and should never be used to silence political dissent. He argued that the conditions faced by the hunger strikers were so severe that they felt driven to risk death simply to have their voices heard. His intervention was met with concern across party lines.

Responding on behalf of the government, the Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell rejected any suggestion of deliberate mistreatment. He said claims that the government was trying to “break the bodies” of protesters could not be further from the truth. According to Campbell, prisoner welfare remains central to ministerial oversight, regardless of the charges individuals face or the actions they take while in custody.

Campbell emphasised that hunger strikes are taken extremely seriously within the prison service. He insisted that ministers are closely informed about developments and that senior figures, including the deputy prime minister, maintain a keen interest in the situation. He expressed hope that a suitable outcome could be reached, while reiterating the government’s commitment to finding a resolution that protects life and health.

Medical concerns have continued to escalate. Dr James Smith, an emergency physician and lecturer at University College London, addressed a press conference on Thursday. He warned that eight hunger-striking prisoners were now dying, based on clinical indicators and the duration of their fasting. Dr Smith stressed that prolonged hunger strikes are not symbolic gestures but medical emergencies requiring urgent attention.

His comments added weight to a letter signed by fifty-one MPs and peers, urging the justice secretary, David Lammy, to meet urgently with the prisoners’ legal representatives. The letter called for transparency, medical independence, and humane treatment, arguing that the current situation risks becoming an avoidable tragedy.

Jeremy Corbyn, the independent MP and former Labour leader, also addressed the Commons. He criticised the Ministry of Justice for failing to provide what he described as a substantive response to repeated concerns. Corbyn said the government has an absolute responsibility for prisoner welfare, including those undertaking protest actions such as hunger strikes. He urged ministers to recognise the gravity of the moment and act accordingly.

The government maintains that established procedures are being followed. Lord Timpson, the prisons minister, said the prison service has extensive experience dealing with hunger strikes. He noted that over the past five years, there have been an average of more than two hundred hunger strike incidents annually. According to Timpson, robust systems are in place, with prisons working closely alongside NHS partners to monitor health and provide care.

Timpson argued that these processes function effectively and are designed to balance respect for prisoner autonomy with safeguarding responsibilities. He said that medical teams assess individuals daily and intervene where necessary, including offering hospital treatment when conditions deteriorate. The government insists that no prisoner is denied medical care or subjected to punitive conditions because of protest actions.

Despite these assurances, campaigners argue that the broader context cannot be ignored. The banning of Palestine Action under terrorism legislation has been criticised by civil liberties groups, who fear it sets a dangerous precedent for protest movements. They argue that criminalising direct action linked to political causes risks eroding democratic freedoms and chilling dissent.

Families of the hunger strikers have spoken of distress and frustration, saying communication has been limited and information inconsistent. They fear that bureaucratic caution is overriding compassion, while time continues to run out. Supporters have staged vigils and demonstrations outside prisons, calling for dialogue rather than confrontation.

Legal experts have also raised questions about the use of remand in politically sensitive cases. While remand is intended to ensure court attendance and public safety, critics argue it is increasingly perceived as punitive, especially when combined with extended pre-trial detention. The hunger strike has brought these concerns sharply into public focus.

The government faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, ministers must uphold the law and defend the decision to prosecute alleged offences. On the other, they must ensure that the state does not appear indifferent to human suffering, particularly when lives may be at risk. How this balance is struck could shape public trust in the justice system.

As Christmas approaches, pressure is mounting for meaningful engagement. MPs from across the political spectrum have urged ministers to meet lawyers, review medical evidence, and explore alternatives that could end the hunger strike without loss of life. The coming days may prove decisive.

While Sir Alan Campbell reiterated his commitment to relay parliamentary concerns to senior ministers, campaigners say words must now translate into action. With several prisoners approaching critical medical thresholds, the margin for delay is narrowing. The outcome will likely resonate far beyond this case, influencing debates on protest, punishment, and the moral responsibilities of the state.