The health of several Palestine Action activists, who have been on hunger strike while in prison awaiting trial, is reported to be deteriorating rapidly. The situation has sparked protests and urgent legal debates about the state's responsibility for their welfare.
Legal Experts Point to State Responsibility
In a letter to the Guardian, former appeal court judge Stephen Sedley argued that while temporary release for untried prisoners is a judicial matter, the state is not absolved of responsibility for those refusing food. Sedley highlighted the "almost unbelievable length of time" the court system is taking to bring these cases to trial.
He proposed a clear path forward: the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or the Attorney General could notify defence lawyers that if a fresh bail application is made, they would cooperate in bringing it before the High Court and would not oppose bail at the hearing. Sedley expressed confidence that the High Court, which traditionally prioritises hearings concerning personal liberty, would expedite such a case.
Public Outcry and Political Criticism
The plight of the hunger strikers has galvanised public support. A demonstration took place in Wakefield on 29 December 2025, where a protester was photographed holding a sign in support of Heba Muraisi, one of those involved.
In a separate letter, writer Roshi Fernando launched a scathing critique of the political response, directly addressing warnings to cabinet ministers about connecting emotionally with voters. "Here’s how to connect with this voter," Fernando wrote, "stop carrying on with normal business while Palestine Action hunger strikers are literally within days of death in prison."
Fernando also condemned Labour leader Keir Starmer's "unforgivable conduct," referencing his attendance at an Arsenal football match in September 2025 while far-right marches took place in London. The letter concluded with a defiant challenge to politicians: "Chase my vote if you dare."
A Race Against Time
The core issue remains the extended pre-trial detention of the activists. With their health now in serious decline due to the hunger strike, the pressure is mounting on legal authorities to intervene. The suggestion from a senior legal figure like Sedley provides a potential mechanism to resolve the crisis through the existing court system, placing the final decision with the judiciary rather than the executive.
As the situation develops, the focus is on whether the DPP or Attorney General will act on the proposed course of action to facilitate urgent bail hearings, potentially averting a tragic outcome for those on strike.
