That the Parliament notes the reported conclusion of a prolonged hunger strike by three detained activists, Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi and Lewie Chiaramello, who ended their protest after more than two months, with Muraisi reaching 73 days, Ahmed 66 days, and Chiaramello fasting on alternate days for 45 days; understands that the activists suspended their hunger strike following confirmation that Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of what is widely recognised as Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, had been denied a major UK Government defence contract, meeting what they described as one of their key demands; further understands that activist Umer Khalid remains on hunger strike; acknowledges the serious personal risk that they undertook, with reports noting that several strikers faced deteriorating health conditions during their protest, prompting urgent medical concern from supporters and observers; commends the activists for their commitment to this non-violent form of protest and for drawing public attention to issues surrounding arms manufacturing, government contracting and human rights in Palestine; believes that their actions inspired wider discussion about prison conditions, prolonged remand periods, and the right to peaceful political protest in the UK, including engagements between prison healthcare leadership and representatives of the hunger strikers, and expresses solidarity with all individuals engaging in peaceful activism to advance human rights and international justice.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Stephanie Callaghan, Bob Doris, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Mercedes Villalba, Elena Whitham