Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana has staged a protest outside a women’s prison, saying she will refuse to leave until an ambulance is allowed in to transfer a hunger-striking prisoner to hospital.
The outspoken MP took to social media early this morning (Tuesday, 17 December) to confirm she is outside HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, claiming urgent medical care is being delayed for prisoner Qesser Zuhrah.
Why is Zarah Sultana outside HMP Bronzefield today?
Zarah Sultana says she is refusing to leave the prison until staff allow an ambulance to transfer Qesser Zuhrah for urgent treatment.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Coventry MP said: “I’m not leaving until HMP Bronzefield accept an ambulance to transfer hunger striker Qesser Zuhrah to hospital for urgent medical care that she desperately needs.”
I’m not leaving until HMP Bronzefield accept an ambulance to transfer hunger striker Qesser Zuhrah to hospital for urgent medical care that she desperately needs. pic.twitter.com/AVpPFOT6lE
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) December 17, 2025
We’re not going anywhere until HMP Bronzefield accept an ambulance transfer for Qesser to get the emergency healthcare she urgently needs.
Join us if you can. pic.twitter.com/PNaIFT4epu
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) December 17, 2025
Ms Sultana claims the prisoner has been waiting around 14 hours for emergency medical attention.
Who is Qesser Zuhrah?
According to campaigners, Qesser Zuhrah has not eaten for more than 40 days after joining a rolling hunger strike involving prisoners affiliated with Palestine Action.
The hunger strike is understood to be a protest against what supporters describe as poor treatment and prison conditions. Prison authorities have not publicly commented on the individual medical status of the prisoner.
Extended hunger strikes can cause serious medical complications, including organ failure, dizziness, collapse, and long-term damage, particularly after the 30-day mark.
What has Zarah Sultana said about government involvement?
Ms Sultana alleges she has already contacted the government about the situation but has received no response.
She wrote that the delay in medical care is unacceptable and called for immediate intervention to protect the prisoner’s health.
The MP has been joined outside the prison by fellow activists and campaigners, some holding placards and chanting in support of the hunger strikers.
Zarah Sultana’s political background
Zarah Sultana served as a Labour MP until July 2024 and is now one of the founders of Your Party, a left-wing political movement.
She has been a consistent and vocal supporter of Palestine Action-linked prisoners and has previously raised concerns in Parliament and on social media about prison conditions, protest rights, and treatment of detainees.
Her presence outside the prison marks a rare moment where a sitting MP has physically refused to leave a prison site as part of a protest.
Are other MPs involved in this issue?
Yes. More than 50 MPs and members of the House of Lords have reportedly signed a joint letter urging senior government figures to meet lawyers representing the hunger-striking prisoners.
The letter calls for dialogue and medical safeguards but at the time of writing, no official response has been confirmed.
What are prison authorities saying?
As of Tuesday afternoon, no public statement has been released by HMP Bronzefield or the Prison Service addressing the claims made by Ms Sultana.
UK prison rules typically state that medical decisions are made by healthcare professionals, but campaigners argue delays risk serious harm.
This protest raises wider questions about prison healthcare, hunger strikes, and how the UK handles political protest behind bars.
With a sitting MP refusing to leave a prison site, pressure is mounting on authorities to explain how medical emergencies are handled, and whether current safeguards are strong enough to prevent serious harm.
