Labour MP Zarah Sultana has issued a stark warning to Justice Secretary David Lammy, stating that the death of a young pro-Palestine activist on hunger strike in prison will be "on his hands" unless she receives urgent hospital care.
Vigil Outside Surrey Prison
The Coventry South MP has been stationed outside HMP Bronzefield in Ashfield, Surrey, since the early hours of Wednesday, 17th December 2025, joining supporters of the gravely ill detainee, Qesser Zuhrah. The 20-year-old is on day 46 of a hunger strike while awaiting trial for her alleged involvement in a Palestine Action raid on a factory owned by Elbit Systems, a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defence firm.
In social media posts from the scene, Ms Sultana claimed that Ms Zuhrah had been waiting 14 hours for urgent medical attention and that the prison was refusing to transfer her to a hospital. "I have contacted David Lammy and Wes Streeting, urging immediate intervention. There has been no response," the MP stated. "She just needs an ambulance. If she dies, it will be on their hands."
Deteriorating Health and Wider Strike
According to the campaign group Prisoners for Palestine, Ms Zuhrah is no longer able to stand and requires emergency healthcare that cannot be provided within the prison walls. Two doctors at the scene, Dr Olivia Brandon and Dr Ayo Moiett, have supported these claims. Dr Brandon stated that urgent blood tests and scans were needed, which the prison lacks the capacity to perform.
Ms Zuhrah is not alone in her protest. She is one of several activists, including Amu Gib, Heba Muraisi, Jon Cink, Teuta Hoxha and Kamran Ahmed, who have been on hunger strike for over a month. All were arrested in connection with alleged Palestine Action raids on the Elbit factory in Filton, Bristol, in August 2024, and on RAF Brize Norton. They have all been denied bail.
Calls for Action and Official Response
Vowing "we're not going anywhere," Ms Sultana demanded that prison authorities accept an ambulance transfer. The Prisoners for Palestine group alleged that staff had refused ambulance entry and delayed treatment overnight, despite calls to the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
In a statement issued via the campaign, Ms Zuhrah said: "They won’t imprison us all... So flood the damn streets in your millions. Shut down these factories in your thousands!"
Responding, an HMP Bronzefield spokesperson said they could not comment on individuals but confirmed that all prisoners have access to healthcare, including external medical facilities if needed. They stated that any prisoner refusing food receives regular medical assessments and support, and that all are managed in line with national policies and multi-agency government processes.
The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for further comment.
