Activist apologises for historic tweets amid deportation calls

A democracy activist has issued an “unequivocal” apology for several historic tweets, some of which appear to advocate violence against Zionists – but Sir Keir Starmer is now facing growing calls for him to be deported from the UK.

Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who recently arrived in the UK after years of imprisonment in Egypt, does maintain that other posts have been “completely twisted out of their meaning”.

The controversy has led figures such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to demand an investigation into revoking the activist’s British citizenship.

Mr Abd El-Fattah, who was detained in Egypt in September 2019 and sentenced to five years in prison in December 2021 for allegedly spreading false news, was pardoned by Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi in September.

His release, which followed extensive lobbying by both Conservative and Labour governments, saw him fly to the UK on Boxing Day to be reunited with his son in Brighton.

Since his arrival, posts dating back to 2010 have resurfaced, appearing to call for violence against Zionists and the police.

In a statement issued on Monday, Mr Abd El-Fattah, said: “I am shaken that, just as I am being reunited with my family for the first time in 12 years, several historic tweets of mine have been republished and used to question and attack my integrity and values, escalating to calls for the revocation of my citizenship.”

He added: “Looking at the tweets now – the ones that were not completely twisted out of their meaning – I do understand how shocking and hurtful they are, and for that I unequivocally apologise.”

He attributed these posts to “a young man’s anger and frustrations in a time of regional crises (the wars on Iraq, on Lebanon and Gaza), and the rise of police brutality against Egyptian youth,” also regretting those written during “online insult battles”.

Following the release of the statement, shadow home secretary Chris Philp branded Mr Abd El-Fattah a “scumbag”, adding he was “not really interested” in his apology.

The Conservative MP told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “What he said was absolutely disgusting… If I was the actual Home Secretary, I would today be signing an order to revoke his citizenship under the 1971 Immigration Act on the grounds he’s not conducive to the public good and making sure he gets deported, because people who spew this kind of hatred have no place in this country, and the fact he’s issued an apology now that he’s been essentially exposed I think makes no difference whatsoever. He’s clearly making the apology simply because his vile, hateful remarks have been publicly exposed now.”

The shadow home secretary’s comments come after Ms Badenoch argued it was “inconceivable” that the activist’s past statements went unnoticed.

Writing in the Daily Mail, she stated: “I do not want people who hate Britain coming to our country.”

Mr Abd El-Fattah, who was granted UK citizenship in December 2021 under Boris Johnson, reportedly through his UK-born mother, insisted he takes allegations of antisemitism “very seriously”.

He claimed some tweets had been “misunderstood, seemingly in bad faith,” citing examples where a tweet interpreted as homophobic was “actually ridiculing homophobia”, and another wrongly suggesting Holocaust denial was “clearly mocking Holocaust denial”.

He highlighted his past support for LGBTQ+ rights and religious minorities in Egypt.

The Foreign Office, in a statement on Sunday, affirmed Mr Abd El-Fattah’s British citizenship, noting that securing his release had been a “long-standing priority under successive governments”.

However, it added: “The government condemns Mr El-Fattah’s historic tweets and considers them to be abhorrent.”

It is understood Sir Keir was unaware of the social media posts when he expressed delight at the activist’s return.

Concerns have also been raised by Jewish community organisations. The Board of Deputies of British Jews stated they had contacted the government, stressing an “urgent need” to ascertain whether Mr Abd El-Fattah still holds the views expressed online.

The Jewish Leadership Council voiced worries about the safety of Jewish communities, referencing recent antisemitic attacks in Manchester and at Australia’s Bondi Beach.

“We know from Heaton Park, Manchester, and Bondi Beach that there are those who hear such words as a call to action,” the organisation posted on X, adding: “The government has celebrated Mr Abd El-Fattah’s arrival as a victory, British Jews will see it as yet another reminder of the danger we face.”

This is not the first time Mr Abd El-Fattah’s tweets have caused controversy. In 2014, his nomination for the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize was withdrawn after a 2012 tweet about Israel.

Despite the backlash, Mr Abd El-Fattah expressed gratitude for the “huge empathy and solidarity” he received.

“It has been painful to see some people who supported calls for my release now feel regret for doing so,” he said.

“Whatever they feel now, they did the right thing. Standing up for human rights and a citizen unjustly imprisoned is something honourable, and I will always be grateful for that solidarity.”

UK set for cold start to 2026 with amber health alert issued

Brits are being urged to prepare for a chilly start to the new year as multiple cold weather alerts have been issued.

An amber health warning is in place in the North East and North West from 8pm on Sunday to 12pm on 5 January 2026. Temperatures in these regions are expected to fall to around 3 to 5C in the day, but could be closer to -3C overnight, and -7C in parts of Scotland.

It comes as “wintry showers” are forecast across the north of England from New Year’s Day onwards, bringing a blustery and cold start to 2026.

Met Office’s Dan Stroud said: “We’re losing this sort of settled but chilly conditions, and bringing in something a little bit more showery with more wintry hazards in the forecast, particularly for the north of the country.”

The forecaster said the final days of 2025 will not be “particularly fantastic”, with temperatures of 7 to 8C, but things will take a turn as 2026 arrives.

There are currently no Met Office weather warnings in place. The cold health alerts, issued by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), mean the weather is “likely” to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including a “rise in deaths” among those with health conditions or aged 65 or over.

The UKHSA said the UK may also see “impacts on younger people” and said there will likely be an “increase in demand for health services” across the regions.

Other impacts include “temperatures inside places like hospitals and care homes dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks” and “challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C leading to more risk to vulnerable people”, the UKHSA said.

It also warned of staffing issues due to external factors such as travel delays and said other sectors, such as transport and energy, could start to see the impacts.

The agency also issued a yellow cold health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.

Temperatures are expected to fall to around 4 to 6C from New Year’s Day in areas where the yellow health alert is in place.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

“The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”

Kate Bush reveals friend is one of missing after Devon Christmas swim

Kate Bush has expressed her profound sorrow, stating she is “heartbroken” after her friend disappeared during a Christmas Day swim in Devon.

Matthew Upham, a 63-year-old antiques dealer, remains missing following a large-scale rescue operation initiated on Christmas Day morning in the seaside town of Budleigh Salterton. The alarm was raised after several individuals encountered difficulties in the stormy water.

While numerous swimmers were successfully pulled from the challenging conditions and received medical attention – some requiring hospitalisation as a precaution – two men, one in his 40s and another in his 60s, could not be located.

The 67-year-old ‘Running Up That Hill’ artist confirmed the news on her website on Sunday, writing: “As you might have heard on the news, Matthew Upham was one of the swimmers who went missing in the sea in Devon on Christmas Day.”

“Matthew was one of my very dearest friends. I’d known him for 30 years.

“He was one of those people who touched everyone he met.

“He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full.

“He was also a great deal of fun.

“His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I.

“Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great love for kayaking. He understood that the sea should be respected.”

The Daily Mail reported Mr Upham had tried to save a woman in distress before being swept away.

Bush added: “The world has lost someone incredibly special. Thank-you Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have.”

A statement posted to the Instagram account of Mr Upham’s business said his family are “heartbroken by the loss”.

It added: “Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.

“We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time. We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.”

Commenting on the post, a friend of the antiques dealer described Mr Upham as “the kindest person”.

They wrote: “The world will miss such a shining star.”

Another described him as “a beautiful man with the sweetest soul and only had kind words to say about everyone”, while another said he was “a bringer of joy and an inspiration”.

According to his website which linked to the Instagram account, Mr Upham ran appointment-only Matthew Upham Antiques on the town’s High Street offering “a captivating assortment of chandeliers sourced from various regions across Europe”.

The website said the chandeliers “beautifully complement our collection of 18th-century furniture, creating a harmonious blend of timeless elegance”.

The business traded for four decades in London before moving to the seaside town.

In a Facebook post shared on Thursday afternoon, East Devon District Council urged locals to “think twice before taking the plunge this festive season”.

The local authority said cold water shock, strong currents and unpredictable weather conditions can turn a “quick dip into a serious emergency”.

The Coastguard said after “extensive shoreline and offshore searches”, its search was stood down at 5pm on Christmas Day.

Devon and Cornwall Police have previously said the families of the men were being kept informed of developments.

On Boxing Day, a police spokesman said “both men remain missing” following the incident and “inquiries are ongoing”.

A number of Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were cancelled this year because of a yellow weather warning for wind which covered parts of the South West and Wales.

Murder charge after grandfather’s death in Christmas pub assault

A man has been charged with murder after a grandfather died following an assault outside a pub in Leicestershire.

David Darke, 66, sustained a serious head injury after an assault outside the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna on the evening of Sunday 21 December. Leicestershire Police said the grandfather-of-three died at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham almost a week later, on Saturday.

Nathan Gothard, 36, of Church Street in Appleby Magna is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, accused of Mr Darke’s murder.

In a statement, Mr Darke’s family said: “Dave was a deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys.

“He was a much-loved brother and a dear friend. Dave will live on forever in our hearts, minds and souls.

“He was a strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all. He was a devoted family man with a deep passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking.

“His life was tragically cut short and he’s now reunited with his loving, caring parents. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.”

This is a breaking news story, more to follow…

Cyber attacks warning issued after Harrods and M&S targeted

Cyber attacks surged into prominence in 2025, inflicting significant financial damage on major British businesses and exposing widespread vulnerabilities across the economy.

High-profile targets included automotive giant Jaguar Land Rover, retail stalwart Marks & Spencer, and luxury department store Harrods, underscoring how firms of all sizes are susceptible to sophisticated digital threats.

Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England, articulated his belief that cyber attacks represent one of the most substantial threats to UK financial stability, stressing the “critically important” need for collaborative defence.

Mike Maddison, chief executive of cyber security firm NCC Group, described 2025 as a “tipping point.”

He stated: “Cyber attacks are far from new, but 2025 has shown just how deeply cyber risk is intertwined with economic stability and business continuity.”

Data from NCC Group revealed a record-breaking surge in global ransomware attacks, with 590 incidents recorded in January and 886 in February.

Ransomware, a malicious software, allows cyber criminals to encrypt computer systems or steal data, holding it hostage until a payment is made.

A survey by insurer Hiscox earlier this year indicated that 59 per cent of small to medium-sized businesses had experienced a cyber attack in the preceding 12 months, with 27 per cent facing a ransomware demand.

Of those who paid, 60 per cent recovered some or all data, though 31 per cent reported attackers demanding further payments, according to the survey of 5,750 global respondents.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported handling 204 “nationally significant” cyber attacks in the year to September, a sharp increase from 89 the previous year.

Mr Maddison noted: “Compared to previous years, these attacks have been more far-reaching and costly, reaffirming that cyber security is no longer just an IT concern.”

He added: “CEOs and government leaders should now be acutely aware that cyber resilience is fundamental to the UK’s long-term growth and resilience.”

The most significant and costly cyber attack in the UK this year was arguably on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

The carmaker halted production across its UK factories for five weeks from September 1, following a hack the day prior.

This disruption led to a revenue plunge of over £1 billion for the quarter to September and a substantial loss for the company.

Crucially, the shutdown was also cited as a key factor in the UK economy contracting in September and October due to slowing car production.

Experts from the non-profit Cyber Monitoring Centre estimated the incident cost the country around £1.9 billion, labelling it the “most financially damaging cyber event ever to hit the UK.”

Food, fashion, and homeware retailer Marks & Spencer also suffered a major hack, which had extensive ramifications and highlighted the risk of customer data theft from prominent household brands.

The retailer was forced to suspend all online orders for approximately six weeks and faced empty shelves due to disruptions to its logistics systems after being targeted around the Easter weekend.

M&S reported a £324 million loss in sales, though it managed to recover £100 million through an insurance payout.

Customer personal data, potentially including names, email addresses, postal addresses, and dates of birth, was also compromised.

M&S was not alone; luxury department store Harrods and supermarket group Co-op were among other retailers hit by damaging cyber attacks in 2025.

The Co-op’s chief confirmed that data belonging to all 6.5 million of its members had been stolen.

Mr Maddison warned that 2025 “should be seen as a clear warning, not a one-off peak,” anticipating cyber criminals will increasingly leverage artificial intelligence for phishing attempts and to identify system vulnerabilities.

He predicted: “Supply chains will remain prime targets, as their complexity means disruption can spread quickly across sectors, intensifying the pressure to pay ransoms.”

However, he also observed: “At the same time, cyber maturity is improving,” noting that “Boards increasingly recognise that true cyber resilience goes beyond prevention and detection.”

In response, the Government is developing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which aims to empower regulators to fine companies failing to comply with cyber security regulations.

New proposals from the Home Office will mandate businesses to notify the Government if they intend to pay a ransom to cyber criminals, while also prohibiting public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure from making such payments.

It’s about experience: Further Education teachers share what it takes

In the modern world, many of us are working longer than ever. Research based on ONS Labour Market data found that there are almost one million more workers aged 65 and above since the millennium and the state pension is set to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by the late 2030s. Subsequently, having multiple careers is becoming increasingly popular. And after decades working in a specific industry, sharing the work-based knowledge you have gained via teaching in further education is one of the most rewarding career shifts you can make.

Further Education teaching (defined as any education for people aged 16 and over who aren’t studying for a degree) allows you to switch up your working days and harness the skills and experience you have developed, all while helping shape the next generation of workers in your field.

To find out more about the role, from what it takes to the best parts of the job, we spoke to Further Education teachers who have switched from doing their day job to teaching it…

John Ryan, 51, from Weston Super Mare, worked for more than a decade on site in the construction industry, mainly in bricklaying and supervising roles, before an opportunity to become a Further Education assessor changed his path in his thirties. Travelling nationally to assess the work of new bricklayers in order to sign off their NVQs (National Vocational Qualification), the college John was associated with then started offering him some teaching work.

With no prior teaching qualifications, John completed these alongside his assessing and teaching roles with the fees picked up by the teaching college. “I liked the idea of passing on my knowledge and giving young people the skills and confidence to progress in a trade,” he says. “Teaching in Further Education felt like a natural next step because it would allow me to combine my practical background with coaching and mentoring.” There were practical draws too. “On site in the construction industry you are self-employed so you do not get holidays or sick pay. The stability of income and regular paid holidays was a big draw of Further Education teaching,” he adds.

Since his first assessing role 18 years ago, John has worked between assessing, teaching and jobs back on the construction site and now, he currently teaches bricklaying and groundwork full-time at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

John’s extensive site and supervisory experience has proved to be hugely valuable when it comes to teaching his students there. “I can explain not just the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind industry standards,” he explains. “Learners often respond well to hearing about real jobs, site challenges, and the professional behaviours that employers expect. It makes the lessons more relatable and credible,” he shares.

“For example, I can share stories of accidents when teaching site safety, or explain how a mistake of a few millimetres on a construction site can cost you time to rectify, which in turn will cost you money,” he says. “These hands-on, real world experiences make the theory relatable and show learners the real value of getting it right.”

Coral Aspinall, 52, who became a full-time Further Education teacher 12 years ago, agrees. “My experience allows me to put my teaching into context,” she says. Coral started out her engineering career at 16 as an apprentice in a local engineering company. Following a BSc in Engineering and Business Management, she worked for many years in the engineering industry before enrolling on a part-time PGDE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) course for teaching. She’s now the Engineering Programme Leader at the Stockport campus of the Trafford and Stockport College Group. Here, they offer qualifications such as Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations as well as engineering-focused Level 3 T Levels and Level 3 Btec Awards. They also offer Level 3 apprenticeships across engineering including Technical Support, Engineering Fitter and Maintenance Management.

“Because I’ve been an engineering apprentice myself, I understand what the student needs to be successful in terms of skills, knowledge and behaviour,” she explains. “I also have contacts in the wider engineering community and understand what an employer is looking for in an apprentice, and can also share insights in terms of how the sector is shifting and evolving to help support their progress.”

Working for an extensive period of time in a field before passing on that knowledge gives teachers maturity and empathy which can be hugely helpful for students, especially those facing complex life situations.

Beyond the practical techniques, a big part of John’s role is helping learners build confidence, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers look for. “Many of my learners have different challenges, so they value teachers who are approachable, who believe in them, and who prepare them for real opportunities in work or further study,” he says. For John, his previous work experience has allowed him to do this. “On site, I worked with people facing all sorts of pressures, from work to life issues, which taught me to be patient and supportive,” he explains.

Coral has had a similar experience. “I see my role as more than imparting knowledge; it is about preparing the young person for the next stage of their journey. The students trust me to have their best interests at heart; they come to me for advice on their next steps and how they can achieve their aspirations, and I’ll support them with both practical advice and words of encouragement.”

For Coral, teaching later in life allows her to draw from a mature perspective, and teach her students positive workplace behaviours alongside skills and knowledge. “Students thrive when they have clear unambiguous boundaries, so I’m firm around expectations in terms of timekeeping, attendance and attitude. This is particularly important to succeeding in the workplace as employers value these behaviours as much as, or even more than having specific expertise or know-how (which can generally be developed).”

If you’re looking for a fresh career option, and keen to share your skills with the next generation, Further Education teaching could be a really enriching new phase. Further Education covers a huge range of career sectors including construction, law, engineering, digital, hospitality, tourism, beauty and more. This includes BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications), T Levels, NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) or City & Guilds Qualifications.

Teaching in a mixture of colleges (often General Further Education Colleges or Sixth Form Colleges) and Adult and Community Learning Centres as well as workplace and apprenticeship settings, further education teachers share their years of real world industry skills with a diverse mix of people from those straight out of school aged sixteen to those making career switches later in life.

You don’t always need an academic degree or prior teaching qualifications to start teaching in further education. You can undertake teacher training on the job, often funded by your employer, so you can start earning straight away.. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean you have to stop working in your chosen field. Further education offers hybrid opportunities – so you could teach part time alongside your other commitments. This means you could have the best of both worlds, where you are still working in your chosen industry and teaching alongside it at a time that suits your schedule. Find out if it’s the right move for you here.

If, like John and Coral, you see the appeal in sharing the knowledge and skills you’ve developed with the next generation, exploring the option of becoming a Further Education teacher can be a great next step. As John shares, the reward is always worth it: “It never gets old passing on my knowledge to people starting on their journey, knowing I have made a difference and getting a smile and thanks in return!”

Looking for a new role that’s rewarding, flexible and draws on your current career? Why not consider sharing your experience where it matters most – helping inspire the next generation of workers in the field you love? Visit Further Education to find out more

China launches military drills around Taiwan after US arms deal

China began fresh military drills using the army, air force and navy around Taiwan on Monday after the US cleared the largest arms sale ever to Taipei.

The “Justice Mission 2025” drills would place five zones around Taiwan under sea and air space restrictions for 10 hours from 8 am local time, the Chinese military’s Eastern Theatre Command announced.

Taipei accused China of “military intimidation” after Beijing said the exercises were a “stern warning” against separatist and “external interference” forces.

The war games follow a rise in Chinese rhetoric over Beijing’s territorial claims after Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi suggested a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a military response from Tokyo.

They also come less than two weeks after the US announced $11.1bn in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest-ever weapons package for the island. Beijing last week sanctioned 20 American companies and 10 executives in retaliation for the sale.

The latest drills are China’s sixth since 2022, when the then US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island and triggered a furious response from Beijing.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and does not rule out the use of force to reunify it with the mainland. Analysts say Beijing’s exercises increasingly blur the line between routine military training and stage-setting for an attack, a strategy intended to allow the US and its allies minimal warning of an assault.

China’s military said it had deployed fighter jets, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles, and long-range rockets, and would practice striking mobile land-based targets while simulating a coordinated attack on the island from multiple directions.

Senior Col Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, said the drills would be conducted in the Taiwan Straits and areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of the island.

Col Shi explained the activities would focus on sea-air combat readiness patrol, “joint seizure of comprehensive superiority”, blockades of ports, and deterrence of external intervention.

“It’s a stern warning against ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces,” he said, “and it’s a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity.”

Taiwan’s presidential office said the latest exercises “blatantly undermine the security and stability status quo of the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region” while “openly challenging international laws and order”.

“We strongly condemn the Chinese authorities’ disregard for international norms and their use of military intimidation to threaten neighbouring countries,” it added.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said two Chinese military aircraft and 11 ships had been operating around the island over the last 24 hours and that its military was on high alert and poised to carry out “rapid response exercises”.

Following the drill announcement, the Chinese military released two posters titled “Shields of Justice: Smashing Illusions” and “Arrows of Justice: Control and Denial”, along with a third graphic depicting four locations across the island with targets locking on.

China’s state broadcaster said the drills would focus on sealing off Taiwan’s deep-water port of Keelung in the north and the largest port city of Kaohsiung to the south.

Scores of Chinese military boats and planes were operating near Taiwan on Monday and some were “deliberately closing in” on the island’s contiguous zone, defined as being 24 nautical miles from its coast, a senior Taiwan security official told Reuters.

The Taiwanese coast guard said it had dispatched large ships in response to Chinese coast guard activity and was working with the military to minimise the impact of the drills on maritime routes and fishing areas.

Prisoner on Palestine hunger strike ‘losing the ability to speak’

One of the prisoners on hunger strike in support of Palestine Action has lost the ability to speak and another is unable to stand without passing out, campaigners have said as the protest entered its 56th day.

The eight activists initially went on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage, with four still maintaining their protest.

Heba Muraisi, who is being held in HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire, has said she feels “weaker as each day passes” in a statement released by the Prisoners for Palestine group. She also complained of “bruising on her arm” and a “constant body ache”.

“’I can no longer lie on my side as it hurts my face,” Ms Muraisi said, adding that she is losing the ability to “form sentences, and struggling to maintain conversation”.

Earlier this month two of the activists, Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib, paused their hunger strike at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey after 48 days due to deteriorating health. Both were admitted to hospital for treatment.

Those still refusing food are Teuta Hoxha, Ms Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed and Lewie Chiaramello, according to Prisoners for Palestine.

Four of the group, including Ms Muraisi, are accused of playing roles in the break-in at Israeli-linked defence technology company Elbit Systems UK on 19 November 2024. They will go on trial in May next year at the earliest.

The other four are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton in June, where it is alleged that they sprayed red paint into two RAF Voyager planes.

Ms Hoxha, 29, who is being held in HMP Peterborough, has said that she is “no longer able to stand without blacking out” and enduring “dizzy spells” with “increasing levels of brain fog”, Prisoners for Palestine said. She is “virtually bedridden” as a result of the strike, her second this year.

Allegations that Ms Zuhrah was refused an ambulance sparked a protest outside HMP Bronzefield earlier this month attended by Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana. The Ministry of Justice has denied claims of mistreatment.

The remaining hunger strikers issued a new set of demands on Tuesday, including that Ms Muraisi be transferred back to HMP Bronzefield where she was first detained.

This came on top of a previous a series of demands which included an immediate bail and the ability to “send and receive communications without restriction, surveillance, or interference from the prison administration”.

Lawyers representing the strikers have said they are facing potential death. Last Monday, they initiated legal proceedings against the government, claiming they had abandoned their own prison safety policy framework. The strikers say they have sent multiple letters to justice secretary David Lammy without a response.

James Timpson, the minister of state for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending, said: “We are very experienced at dealing with hunger strikes. Unfortunately, over the last five years we have averaged over 200 hunger strike incidents every year and the processes that we have are well-established and they work very well – with prisons working alongside our NHS partners every day, making sure our systems are robust and working – and they are.

“I am very clear. I don’t treat any prisoners differently to others. That is why we will not be meeting any prisoners or their representatives. We have a justice system that is based on the separation of powers, and the independent judiciary is the cornerstone of our system.”

A spokesperson for Prisoners for Palestine said: “Unlike the prison guards, who lock up the prisoners early to go home to their Christmas dinner, the hunger strikers don’t get a Christmas break. Just like the Christians in Gaza, who continue to suffer in the freezing cold at the hands of the settler-colonial entity.

“The hunger strikers say to us, don’t forget the people of Palestine over Christmas, and continue to demand a meeting with the British government on their behalf.”

An HMP Bronzefield spokesperson said: “We cannot provide information about specific individuals, however all prisoners are managed in line with policies and procedures governing the entire UK prison estate. This includes specialist multi-agency processes, led by the government, to assess individual risks and security status.”