Hunger Strike - Update

Mr Umer Khalid is currently held on remand at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in London, awaiting trial on charges linked to alleged direct-action protests, including an incident at RAF Brize Norton. His trial at the Old Bailey is scheduled for January 2027.

Concerns about Mr Khalid’s welfare were first raised with my office in October 2025. Following this contact, I made representations to the Prison and Probation Service relaying concerns regarding his safety, freedom of religious expression, and the management of his custody. A response from HMPPS was received in November 2025 and passed on to Mr Khalid’s family.

I acknowledge the depth of feeling required to willingly forgo basic human needs such as food and water for a cause. Choosing a hunger or thirst strike reflects profound commitment and personal sacrifice and carries very serious consequences for the human body.

In December 2025, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy MP, requesting that he meet with Imran Khan and Partners Solicitors who represent Mr Khalid and others. The letter highlighted the level of concern for Mr Khalid both locally and nationally. A ministerial response confirmed that food refusal in prisons is managed under established safety and healthcare policies and reiterated that ministers cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings.

While I made representations regarding Mr Khalid’s welfare, decisions on remand, bail, and prosecution rest with the independent judiciary. This month, following reports that Mr Khalid had escalated his protest to a hunger and thirst strike, I again wrote to the Secretary of State renewing the request for a meeting with Mr Khalid’s solicitors and family in light of the increased health risks. It is positive news that Mr Khalid has now chosen to end his protest and is beginning the process of refeeding. I hope that he will make a full recovery and I will continue to monitor this case closely. 

I generally do not sign Early Day Motions (EDMs), however on occasion I make exceptions. EDMs have limited impact in terms of follow up and often it is more impactful to raise the case directly with the relevant Minister and Department.

My actions have always been focused on ensuring Mr Khalid’s welfare and responding to public anxiety, while respecting the constitutional principle that politicians must not interfere in ongoing legal matters. In Britain, those accused of breaking the law are entitled to due process and a fair trial, but they must await that trial like everyone else. If wrongdoing is proven, I believe that consequences should follow in accordance with the law, equally and without exception.