Kneecap and Massive Attack have jointly shared a post calling for fans to contact Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy MP to intervene in the safeguarding of Palestine Action prisoners on hunger strike in the UK.
The six prisoners in question are among 24 protesters accused in relation to action at Elbit Systems in Filton near Bristol last year, as well as the so-called Brize Norton Five.
According to The Guardian, the Filton 24 are scheduled to be tried on charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder in April next year. The Crown Prosecution Service said there was a “terrorism connection”, but no charges have been brought under the Terrorism Act.
Those on remand in relation to the damage of two Voyager aircraft during a protest at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20 were previously charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage, and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK.
They are not scheduled to stand trial until January 2027. Palestine Action claimed responsibility for both incidents.
Earlier in the month, several artists highlighted fears for the prisoners on hunger strike, as well as criticising the BBC, accusing the organisation of not reporting the issue.
Yesterday (December 22), Kneecap and Massive Attack put their names to an Instagram post, alongside the organisation Prisoners4Palestine, to encourage followers to write to Lammy.
“Right now the lives of 6 young non-violent protesters dangle in one man’s hands,” it begins, with an image of the politician below. “Contact David Lammy MP urgently to demand an immediate humanitarian government intervention to safeguard the lives of unconvicted hunger strikers, on remand way beyond state limits.”
It continues: “The special performative cruelty the Starmer Government reserves for those who insist on highlighting its complicity in the Genocide in Gaza is at its most severe for the Filton 24.”
“From the forceful arrests of peaceful pensioners to open ended incarceration without trial for non-violent activists, these actions are the repugnant signature of vengeful authoritarian ministers who feel compelled to punish voices who reveal the political ethics they betrayed in service to Israel.”
The post concludes: “It’s time for the criminal justice system itself to save its independence from state, and reject the clear politicisation of justice.”
Answering a request for comment from NME, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending Lord Timpson said:
“While very concerning, hunger strikes are not a new issue for our prisons. Over the last five years, we’ve averaged over 200 a year and we have longstanding procedures in place to ensure prisoner safety.”
“Prison healthcare teams provide NHS care and continuously monitor the situation. HMPPS are clear that claims that hospital care is being refused are entirely misleading – they will always be taken when needed and a number of these prisoners have already been treated in hospital.”
“These prisoners are charged with serious offences including aggravated burglary and criminal damage. Remand decisions are for independent judges, and lawyers can make representations to the court on behalf of their clients.”
Regarding the post’s requests, the statement concluded: “Ministers will not meet with them – we have a justice system that is based on the separation of powers, and the independent judiciary is the cornerstone of our system. It would be entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate for Ministers to intervene in ongoing legal cases.”
Among the prisoners’ demands is the de-proscription of Palestine Action, which was banned under terrorism legislation in July and proscribed as a terrorist group by the UK government.
The group’s proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 means membership or public support for the group is classified as a criminal offence and could result in up to 14 years in jail.
Earlier in the year, Massive Attack criticised the government for allowing the arrest of “peaceful citizens” at a Palestine Action demonstration in London. Over 500 people were arrested at the huge protest in central London organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries in August. Primal Scream also criticised the arrests.
In August, Hozier spoke out in support of Palestine Action during his set at Reading Festival 2025.
