A woman participating in a hunger strike in the UK has been hospitalized following calls for medical intervention from protesters. Qesser Zuhrah, 20, is one of eight prisoners currently on hunger strike while awaiting trial on remand for alleged break-ins or criminal damage carried out in support of Palestine Action.
Growing Concerns Over Prisoner Health
Ms. Zuhrah is on day 46 of her hunger strike. Protesters gathered outside HMP Bronzefield, where she was being held, demanding immediate medical attention. Your Party MP Zarah Sultana publicly urged Justice Secretary David Lammy to allow an ambulance access to the prison, stating, “Otherwise Qesser Zuhrah is going to die.” Sultana’s call was accompanied by a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The situation has drawn attention from within Parliament. Earlier this week, 51 MPs and peers sent a letter to Mr. Lammy, requesting a meeting with the lawyers representing the eight prisoners. Signatories included 19 Labour MPs, as well as former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, MP Diane Abbott, and Labour MP John McDonnell.
Serious Health Deterioration
The letter from the MPs and peers expressed “growing dismay” at the government’s response to the situation. They noted that the prisoners themselves had requested a meeting with Mr. Lammy on December 9th, fearing their health would deteriorate beyond recovery. The letter detailed concerning symptoms reported by the prisoners’ legal team, including a pulse above 100 beats per minute, ketone levels exceeding safe limits, weight loss of over 10kg, deteriorating vision, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, hypoglycaemia, shallow breathing, and signs of memory loss. Five of the eight hunger strikers have reportedly been hospitalized more than once.
Sinn Féin MPs have also called on the Justice Secretary to engage with the prisoners’ legal representatives. MP for West Tyrone Órfhlaith Begley stated the health and well-being of the hunger strikers is “now entering an extremely alarming stage,” and asserted, “No one should be criminalised for legitimately protesting against genocide.”
Government Response and Parliamentary Debate
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that “rules and procedures” are being followed regarding the hunger strike. He was responding to a challenge from Jeremy Corbyn, who claimed there had been “regular breaches of prison conditions and prison rules.” Labour MP Apsana Begum later told fellow MPs that “lives are at immediate risk” and called for an “urgent intervention” from Justice Secretary David Lammy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prisoners accused of?
The eight prisoners are being held on remand while awaiting trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage carried out on behalf of Palestine Action.
How long has Qesser Zuhrah been on hunger strike?
Qesser Zuhrah is on day 46 of her hunger strike as of December 17, 2025.
What have MPs and peers done to address the situation?
51 MPs and peers wrote to Justice Secretary David Lammy urging him to meet with the lawyers of the eight prisoners. Several MPs have also publicly called for medical intervention and raised the issue in Parliament.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Justice Secretary will meet with the prisoners’ legal representatives or if further medical interventions will be required. The health of the hunger strikers will continue to be a key factor in determining the next steps.
