A senior Labour MP has issued a stark warning that a constituent on a prolonged hunger strike in prison is now 'close to death', prompting an intervention from the Commons Leader.
Urgent Plea in the House of Commons
Brent North MP Barry Gardiner made an impassioned appeal in the House of Commons on Thursday, urging Sir Alan Campbell, the Commons Leader, to act regarding the case of Heba Muraisi. The 31-year-old, who is being held on remand, has now reached day 67 of her hunger strike at HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire.
Mr Gardiner revealed that Ms Muraisi's next-of-kin had informed the Press Association just a day earlier that she was experiencing breathing difficulties. He pleaded for 'common sense and humanity' to prevail, requesting both a prison transfer and consideration for bail to her family home.
The Fight for a Prison Transfer
A central demand from Ms Muraisi's supporters is her transfer back to HMP Bronzefield in Surrey. She was initially held there before being moved to HMP New Hall, which is approximately 200 miles away from her family. Mr Gardiner stressed that this distance prevents her disabled mother from being able to visit.
Sir Alan Campbell responded directly to the plea, confirming he would take up the matter. 'If he gives me the details of the case... then I will obviously raise that with the Justice Secretary,' he stated. He further pledged to secure the necessary assurances for the MP and the family.
Wider Context and Deteriorating Health
Heba Muraisi is one of two remaining hunger strikers facing charges linked to alleged break-ins on behalf of Palestine Action, before the group was proscribed under terrorism legislation. Both individuals deny the charges and demand they be dropped.
Her condition is reported to be severely deteriorating. A childhood friend, Hinda, told Novara Media that 'death is a very real possibility for Heba right now.' Having surpassed 67 days without food, Ms Muraisi is understood to be suffering from uncontrollable muscle spasms—a potential sign of neurological damage—alongside the reported breathing issues.
The activist group's demands extend beyond her case, calling for immediate bail, fair trials, and the closure of Elbit Systems' UK sites. For Ms Muraisi specifically, the urgent call is for her return to a prison closer to her support network as her health crisis deepens.
