The UK government is under growing pressure after declining to hold a ministerial meeting over six prisoners linked to the banned Palestine Action who are on prolonged hunger strike and now face life-threatening health risks.
Supporters say two of the detainees have been hospitalised as their condition worsens, with medical professionals warning of imminent organ failure after weeks without food. The prisoners, charged with offences including aggravated burglary and criminal damage, are demanding bail, an end to restrictions on their communications, a fair trial, and the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action. They also call for the closure of UK facilities operated by Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence firm.
Green Party co-deputy leader Mothin Ali described the situation as critical, warning that the hunger strikers risk irreversible damage or death. Despite appeals from MPs and hundreds of healthcare professionals, the government has said there are no plans for ministers to meet representatives of the group.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said hunger strikes were not new within the prison system and that detainees were receiving ongoing NHS medical monitoring. Critics, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, have accused ministers of neglect and urged urgent intervention to prevent a fatal outcome.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports a first-aid training module used by Securitas in France has sparked controversy after instructing security agents to respect Sharia law when providing emergency assistance.
