Justice Secretary David Lammy has declined to meet with pro-Palestine prisoners currently on a hunger strike, according to the prisons minister. James Timpson stated that neither he nor the Deputy Prime Minister would have a meeting with the prisoners as all inmates are to be treated equally. Timpson emphasized that the prison system has established and effective protocols to handle hunger strike incidents, with over 200 occurrences reported annually in the past five years.
Despite the government’s stance, concerns have been raised about the well-being of the hunger-striking prisoners. Eight activists from Palestine Action, facing allegations of criminal activities for the group, have embarked on a hunger strike while awaiting trial, leading to several individuals being hospitalized. Supporters highlight that some of the prisoners have been refusing food for more than 45 days, with medical experts warning of dire consequences.
In response to calls for engagement with the prisoners’ legal representatives, Lord Timpson reiterated the government’s position of treating all prisoners equally without special consideration. He stressed the importance of upholding the justice system’s principles of separation of powers and judicial independence. Lord Timpson urged the hunger strikers to collaborate with healthcare professionals to address their health concerns and resume eating for their recovery.
Regarding the management of hunger strikes within the prison system, Lord Timpson reiterated the experience and preparedness of the authorities in handling such situations. He underscored the partnership between prisons and NHS professionals in managing hunger strikes effectively. When asked about force-feeding practices, Lord Timpson emphasized that medical decisions regarding the support provided to hunger strikers are determined by healthcare professionals.
During a parliamentary session, Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn highlighted the lack of a substantive response from the Ministry of Justice to concerns raised by MPs and peers regarding the hunger-striking prisoners. He emphasized the government’s responsibility for ensuring the welfare and medical care of all individuals in custody, including those participating in protests.
Labour MP John McDonnell proposed the appointment of an independent mediator to facilitate dialogue between the hunger strikers and authorities, aiming to prevent a potential tragedy. Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell affirmed the government’s commitment to the well-being of all prisoners, emphasizing the importance of finding a resolution to the current situation. He dismissed any insinuations that the government or the Prison Service aimed to harm the hunger-striking individuals and pledged to convey the discussions to the Deputy Prime Minister for further consideration.
