Members of the activist group Palestine Action have initiated formal legal action against the UK government, alleging it has failed to uphold its own framework for prisoner welfare and safety. The move comes as several imprisoned campaigners have been hospitalised with deteriorating health.
Legal Ultimatum Issued to Justice Secretary
A pre-action protocol letter has been sent to the Justice Secretary, David Lammy, by the legal firm representing the activists. The letter highlights the critical condition of the hunger strikers, noting that one individual has now refused food for 51 days. The lawyers have demanded an urgent response from the government within 24 hours and called for an immediate meeting to address the prisoners' health, warning of a mounting risk of death.
Core Demands and Government Response
The strikers have presented a series of demands, which include:
- The de-proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.
- The closure of UK-based defence companies with links to Israel.
- Immediate bail for the imprisoned activists.
- Protections for freedom of expression.
In response, the Ministry of Justice has refuted the claims. A spokesperson stated the department would not create what it termed "perverse incentives". Prisons Minister Lord Timpson asserted that the Prison Service has extensive experience in managing hunger strikes and confirmed it would not be meeting with the prisoners.
Escalating Health Crisis and Next Steps
The situation is described as increasingly urgent, with the legal team emphasising the severe health decline of their clients. The initiation of legal proceedings on Tuesday 23 December 2025 marks a significant escalation in the campaign. The government now faces a tight deadline to respond to the allegations of abandoning its duty of care under its own prison safety policy framework.
