Palestine Action-linked prisoners on hunger strike have begun the first steps toward legal action against the government, claiming ministers have failed to follow prison safety policies as several strikers have been taken to hospital.
A law firm acting for the activists has sent a pre-action letter to Justice Secretary David Lammy, demanding an urgent response within 24 hours and warning that the detainees’ health is deteriorating rapidly. The letter, seen by the Press Association, says the group intends to pursue legal proceedings and accuses the government of abandoning its own policy framework for managing hunger strikes. It also asks for an immediate meeting to discuss medical concerns and potential resolution.
The hunger strike began on 2 November and, according to supporters, seven prisoners have been admitted to hospital since then. Those hospitalised include Amu Gib, 30, held at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, and Kamran Ahmed, 28, held at Pentonville in London. Supporters say two other prisoners have ended their hunger strikes on medical grounds.
Gib is reported to be on day 51 of refusing food and was taken to hospital on Saturday, with supporters saying they now require a wheelchair. Ahmed is reported to be on day 43. Campaigners also claim another prisoner, Qesser Zuhrah, 20, was left waiting more than 12 hours for an ambulance.
Supporters say the prisoners are facing charges connected to alleged break-ins or criminal damage linked to Palestine Action, before the group was banned under terrorism legislation. They say their demands include reversing the proscription, closing defence firms linked to Israel, and securing bail and fair trial protections, as well as unhindered correspondence and phone access.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the claims were “strongly” disputed, adding that officials wanted prisoners to accept support and recover, and that the government would not create incentives encouraging people to put themselves at risk through hunger strikes. The prime minister and prisons minister have previously said procedures are being followed and that prison services have established systems for handling hunger strikes.