Why Did Two Palestine Action Hunger Strikers End Their Protest?

The recent hunger strike protest by remand prisoners connected to Palestine Action has raised significant concerns regarding their treatment and the broader implications for prisoners' rights in the UK. While two of the detainees have ended their hunger strike, five others continue their protest, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding their demands for the lifting of a ban on Palestine Action and the closure of a defence firm associated with Israel.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of now, two remand prisoners, Jon Cink and Umer Khalid, have concluded their hunger strike after 41 days and 13 days, respectively. However, five other detainees are still refusing food, with some having gone without sustenance for over 45 days. Their protest has drawn attention from various quarters, including MPs and legal representatives, who are urging the government to address their concerns about prison conditions and the legality of their ongoing detention.

Key takeaways

Two detainees have ended their hunger strike, while five continue their protest.
The hunger strike has lasted for up to 45 days for some individuals.
Legal representatives and MPs are calling for meetings with government officials.

Timeline: how we got here

The events surrounding the hunger strike have unfolded over several months:

November 2022: Protests begin among prisoners linked to Palestine Action.
15 September 2023: Palestine Action is banned under terrorism legislation.
October 2023: Hunger strikes escalate, with various detainees refusing food for extended periods.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent reports confirm that two detainees have ended their hunger strike, while five remain actively protesting. Additionally, there have been calls from MPs for urgent discussions regarding the treatment of these individuals.

What was already established

Previously, the hunger strike had become a focal point for discussions about prison conditions and the treatment of individuals charged with offences related to Palestine Action, which has faced significant scrutiny since its ban.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing protests and hunger strikes may influence public opinion regarding prison reform and the treatment of detainees, potentially impacting broader discussions on human rights in the UK.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses associated with the defence sector, particularly those linked to Israel, the protests may lead to increased scrutiny and calls for accountability, which could affect partnerships and public perception.

Policy and regulation

The situation has prompted calls for a review of prison conditions and the treatment of hunger strikers, which could lead to potential changes in policies related to detainment and prisoner rights in the UK.

Numbers that matter

51: Number of MPs and peers who have called for a meeting with the Justice Secretary.
45 days: Duration of the hunger strike for the two longest-protesting detainees.
8: Total number of detainees involved in hunger strikes, with varying lengths of refusal to eat.

Definitions and jargon buster

Palestine Action: A direct action group campaigning against Israeli state violence and arms trade.
Hunger strike: A form of protest in which individuals refuse to eat to draw attention to their cause.
Remand prisoners: Individuals who are held in custody while awaiting trial.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Monitoring the health and wellbeing of the remaining hunger strikers will be critical, as their condition could deteriorate rapidly. Additionally, the response from the government and the Ministry of Justice regarding the demands made by the detainees will be closely scrutinised.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the trials approach next year, the situation may escalate further, with potential legal challenges and public protests expected. This could also lead to broader discussions about prison reform and detainee rights within the UK.

Signals to watch

Response from the Ministry of Justice to requests for meetings.
Health updates regarding the hunger strikers.
Public and political reactions to the ongoing situation.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about updates regarding the detainees’ health and legal status.
Engage in discussions concerning prison reform and detainee treatment.

Don’t

Dismiss the significance of the protests; they reflect deeper issues within the criminal justice system.
Assume that the situation will resolve without public and political pressure.

Checklist

Check for updates on the health of hunger strikers.
Follow news on responses from the Ministry of Justice.
Engage with advocacy groups addressing prison conditions.
Be aware of the broader implications for human rights discussions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

It remains uncertain how the government will respond to the growing pressure from MPs and public advocates regarding the treatment of the detainees. The health of those on hunger strike is a significant concern, and any deterioration could lead to unforeseen consequences, including potential fatalities that may escalate the situation further.

Bottom line

The hunger strike by remand prisoners linked to Palestine Action underscores serious concerns about the treatment of detainees and prison conditions in the UK. As public and political pressure mounts, it is crucial for authorities to address these issues transparently and humanely.

FAQs

What were the demands of the hunger strikers?

The hunger strikers are demanding the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action and the closure of a defence firm linked to Israel.

How long have the detainees been on hunger strike?

Some detainees have been on hunger strike for as long as 45 days, with varying lengths among the group.

What is the government’s response to the hunger strikes?

The government has stated that they are following established procedures regarding hunger strikes, but there have been calls for more direct engagement with the protesters' representatives.