Coventry MP joins protests in support of Palestine Action hunger strike prisoners

Coventry South’s MP, Zarah Sultana, joined protests outside HMP Bronzefield last week after a Palestine Action hunger striker was reported to be at immediate risk of death.

On Tuesday 16 December, Sultana rushed to the Surrey prison where detainee Qesser Zuhrah was described as being “critically ill” following a 46-day hunger strike.

Zuhrah, alongside seven other prisoners, had been refusing food in protest of charges relating to alleged Palestine Action break-ins and criminal damage.

Claims that Zuhrah had been denied an ambulance for more than 18 hours sparked demonstrations outside the prison, which Sultana attended.

On the day of the protest, Sultana wrote on X: “I am urgently on my way to HMP Bronzefield. Palestine hunger striker Qesser Zuhrah, now on day 46, is being refused an ambulance by the prison.”

To our government, do not release your breath, because we will certainly return to battle you with our empty stomach in the New Year

Qesser Zuhrah, Palestine Action detainee

Sultana refused to leave the site until an ambulance arrived, as crowds gathered over the course of 12 hours, demanding immediate medical care for Zuhrah.

On the evening of Wednesday 17 December, Sultana and other protesters confirmed that Zuhrah had been transferred to a nearby hospital and was in a stable condition.

Both detainees, Zuhrah and fellow hunger striker Amu Gib, later announced a pause to their hunger strikes due to deteriorating health.

On Tuesday 23 December, Zuhrah said: “To our government, do not release your breath, because we will certainly return to battle you with our empty stomach in the New Year.”

Prisoners’ wellbeing is continually assessed, and appropriate action is taken, including hospital treatment where required

Ministry of Justice spokesperson

Following the protest, Sultana condemned what she described as the indifference of Labour leader Keir Starmer and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy towards the conditions faced by the hunger strikers.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Prisoners’ wellbeing is continually assessed, and appropriate action is taken, including hospital treatment where required.”

The Labour government has publicly defended the prison service’s handling of the hunger strike, saying established procedures are being followed and that detainees have access to healthcare.

However, they have declined to meet with the hunger strikers’ representatives or directly address criticisms such as Sultana’s.

Sultana later wrote on X: “David Lammy, Keir Starmer — you are on the brink of causing the deaths of multiple young Palestine hunger strikers.”