A senior doctor has issued a stark warning that eight activists from the group Palestine Action, who are on hunger strike while held in prison awaiting trial, are now dying. The alert comes as pressure mounts on the UK government to intervene.
Medical Emergency Behind Bars
Dr James Smith, a qualified emergency physician and lecturer at University College London, stated that the group requires specialist medical care. He raised the alarm during a press conference in south London on Thursday, 18 December 2025.
"The hunger strikers are dying," Dr Smith told journalists. He expressed grave concerns about the standard of monitoring and treatment within the prison system, stating their complex care needs now demand regular specialist input, if not continuous hospital monitoring.
His warning is supported by over 200 members of the British Medical Association who recently wrote to the BMA, and by a separate letter from almost 900 health professionals sent to key officials.
Families' Anguish and Political Pressure
The eight individuals began refusing food in protest at being held in custody before their trials. Some have already been taken to hospital due to their deteriorating condition.
Family members described the intense anxiety they are facing. Rahma Hoxha, sister of Teuta Hoxha who is on day 40 of her strike, said prison guards had called her sister a "terrorist" despite her being on remand. "She said it feels as if the Government is trying to bury them alive," Hoxha stated.
Shahmina Alam, sister of Kamran Ahmed on day 39, reported his heart is "giving in," his pulse is slowing, and he is losing half a kilogram daily. "The justice system is hanging on a very thin thread," she added.
Politicians are adding to the calls for action. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who attended the press conference, claimed there have been "regular breaches of prison conditions and prison rules." He directly urged Justice Secretary David Lammy to uphold regulations and meet representatives to save lives.
A group of 51 MPs and peers, including 19 Labour MPs such as Rachael Maskell and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, have also written to Mr Lammy demanding he meet the prisoners' lawyers.
Charges and Government Response
The eight protesters are facing charges related to alleged break-ins or criminal damage on behalf of Palestine Action, which was later banned under terrorism legislation. They deny all charges and are calling for them to be dropped.
Four are accused of involvement in a break-in at an Israeli-linked defence firm in 2024, with a trial scheduled no earlier than May next year. The other four are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton in June 2025, allegedly causing millions of pounds of damage to two military jets.
In response to earlier questions in the Commons, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said that "rules and procedures" are being followed, and his ministers have declined to meet with representatives of the hunger strikers.
