A Labour MP has issued a stark warning that a constituent on a prolonged hunger strike in prison is now 'close to death', prompting a pledge from the Commons leader to intervene.
Urgent Plea in the House of Commons
On Thursday, Brent North MP Barry Gardiner made an impassioned appeal to Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell concerning the welfare of Heba Muraisi, 31. Mr Gardiner revealed that Ms Muraisi, who is being held on remand, has now reached day 67 of her hunger strike at HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire.
He urged Sir Alan to use his influence to facilitate her transfer to HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, a move that would allow her disabled mother to visit. The current location is approximately 200 miles from her family.
Deteriorating Health and Wider Demands
Ms Muraisi's health is reported to be in severe decline. Her next-of-kin informed the Press Association on Wednesday that she was experiencing breathing difficulties. A close friend stated that 'death is a very real possibility', noting the activist has suffered uncontrollable muscle spasms, a potential sign of neurological damage.
She is one of two remaining hunger strikers facing charges linked to alleged break-ins on behalf of the group Palestine Action, which was later proscribed under terrorism legislation. Both individuals deny the charges and demand they be dropped.
The group's demands to the government include immediate bail, fair trials, and the closure of Elbit Systems' UK sites. Their updated list also calls for dropping all non-association orders, granting access to activities, and returning Ms Muraisi to HMP Bronzefield.
Political Response and Path Forward
In response to the urgent plea, Sir Alan Campbell committed to taking immediate action. He told the Commons: 'If (he) gives me the details of the case... then I will obviously raise that with the Justice Secretary.'
He added that prisoner wellbeing is continually assessed and appropriate action, including hospitalisation, is taken when required. Sir Alan pledged: 'I will not only draw it to the attention of the Justice Secretary, but to make sure that he gets the assurances that he and the family need.'
Mr Gardiner highlighted that court delays have meant Ms Muraisi has been on remand for over a year. He concluded his appeal by asking for 'common sense and humanity' to prevail, urging not just a transfer but also consideration for bail to her family home.
