The Justice Secretary, David Lammy, will not meet with pro-Palestine activists who are on hunger strike in UK prisons, the government has confirmed. This decision comes despite a direct appeal from more than 50 MPs and peers and a stark medical warning that some of the inmates are at risk of dying.
Ministerial stance and mounting pressure
Prisons Minister James Timpson, speaking on Thursday 19 December 2025, stated unequivocally that neither he nor the Deputy Prime Minister would meet the prisoners or their representatives. He emphasised that all prisoners must be treated equally and that the independence of the judiciary was a cornerstone of the system.
This position is being challenged by a cross-party group of 51 MPs and peers, who have written to Mr Lammy urging him to meet the lawyers of the eight detainees. The prisoners are Palestine Action activists, accused of offences such as break-ins or criminal damage linked to the group's campaigns, and are currently awaiting trial.
A growing health emergency behind bars
The situation has escalated into a significant health concern. Supporters report that some of the activists have been refusing food for more than 45 days, with several having required hospital treatment. The gravity of their condition was highlighted by Dr James Smith, a qualified emergency physician and lecturer at University College London.
At a press conference, Dr Smith issued a dire warning, stating that some of the hunger strikers are now dying. This medical assessment has intensified calls for government intervention to avert a tragedy.
Parliamentary debate and government response
The crisis was debated in the House of Commons, where Independent MP and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticised the Ministry of Justice for not providing a "substantive reply" to concerns about the prisoners' welfare. He stressed the government's responsibility for the medical condition and support of all individuals in custody.
Labour MP John McDonnell proposed the appointment of an independent mediator to facilitate discussions between the hunger strikers and the authorities, suggesting it could help "avert a tragedy."
In response, Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell assured MPs that prisoner welfare was "absolutely central" to the Prison Service and ministers. He denied any suggestion that the government was trying to "break the bodies" of those on strike and promised to relay the debate's concerns to the Deputy Prime Minister.
Lord Timpson defended the prison system's procedures, noting that it deals with over 200 hunger strike incidents annually and has "robust" processes in place with NHS partners. He stated that decisions on care, including whether treatment occurs in prison or hospital, are purely medical. When pressed, he expressed a desire for the protesters to "work with health professionals and start eating and get better."
