Massive Attack and Kneecap Urge Fans to Contact David Lammy Over Palestine Action Hunger Strikers

Artists Massive Attack and Kneecap rally support, urging fans to write to David Lammy about Palestine Action prisoners on hunger strike in UK jails.

A Call to Action for Palestine Action Prisoners on Hunger Strike

If you've been following the intersection of music activism and political protest lately, you might have noticed a powerful alliance forming. The iconic trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack teamed up with Northern Irish hip-hop group Kneecap to amplify a critical message: appeal to David Lammy, the UK Secretary of State for Justice, demanding urgent intervention for Palestine Action prisoners currently on hunger strike behind bars.

Protesters from Palestine Action staging a hunger strike.

This plea concerns six individuals among a larger group of 24 activists linked to direct actions against Elbit Systems in Filton, near Bristol, last year. Known as the Filton 24, these prisoners face serious charges including aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder. There’s also the Brize Norton Five, detained for protesting damage to two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, which adds another layer of complexity to this ongoing saga.

The Legal Battle: Serious Charges and Pending Trials

The Filton 24 will face trial starting next April, accused of crimes that the Crown Prosecution Service has ominously suggested have a "terrorism connection." However, no formal charges under the Terrorism Act have been laid, highlighting the sensitive and precarious nature of these cases.

Meanwhile, the Brize Norton Five remain on remand, charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage as well as conspiracy to enter a prohibited place with intent against the UK’s safety interests. Their trial isn’t scheduled until January 2027. Palestine Action has openly taken responsibility for both protests, making these cases as politically charged as they are legally complex.

Music and Activism: Kneecap and Massive Attack Amplify the Cause

Earlier this month, amidst growing concern, various artists spotlighted fears for the hunger-striking prisoners and criticized major media outlets like the BBC for their silence on this issue. The latest move came on December 22, when Kneecap and Massive Attack signed an Instagram post alongside Prisoners4Palestine urging followers to write to David Lammy.

"Right now the lives of 6 young non-violent protesters dangle in one man’s hands."

An image of Lammy accompanied the message as a call to action:

"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."

The post didn't pull any punches in criticizing the UK government’s stance:

"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 detailing forceful arrests of peaceful pensioners to the indefinite incarceration of non-violent activists, the post paints a grim picture of what it calls vengeful authoritarianism designed to silence dissenters revealing political betrayals in service to Israel.

Its concluding rallying cry?

"It’s time for the criminal justice system itself to save its independence from state, and reject the clear politicisation of justice."

Government Response: Official Statement on Hunger Strikes and Legal Process

Responding to concerns, Lord Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, stressed that hunger strikes, while worrying, are not new to UK 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 monitor prisoners continuously, with hospital treatment given when needed. Timpson clarified that claims refusing hospital care are "entirely misleading." Many of the hunger strikers have already received hospital treatment.

On the legal front, he reminded that the prisoners face serious charges and that decisions regarding remand rest with independent judges. Lawyers are able to represent clients’ interests in court.

Addressing the call for ministerial intervention, Timpson was clear:

"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."

The Core Demand: De-Proscription of Palestine Action

One of the prisoners’ key demands is the de-proscription of Palestine Action. The group was banned under terrorism legislation in July, officially designated a terrorist organization by the UK government.

This proscription criminalizes membership and public support, carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison. This heavy-handed classification has ignited fierce debate and fueled further activism.

Solidarity from the Music Community and Public Protests

The story of the Palestine Action prisoners and their hunger strike has resonated widely among artists and activists alike.

Earlier this year, Massive Attack publicly condemned the government for the arrest of so-called “peaceful citizens” at a Palestine Action demo in London. That August protest, organized by Defend Our Juries, led to over 500 arrests—a staggering number that prompted outrage. Fellow musicians like Primal Scream also voiced criticism of these mass arrests.

Hozier at Reading Festival 2025, where he voiced support for Palestine Action.

In the same month, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier took to the stage at Reading Festival 2025 to speak out in support of Palestine Action, Kneecap, and the broader fight for free speech and equality—bringing the cause to one of the UK’s biggest music audiences.

Why This Matters: A Moment of Music, Politics, and Justice

This unfolding story isn’t just about protests or legal battles; it’s a vivid reminder of how music and activism often entwine to spotlight injustice. When revered artists like Massive Attack and Kneecap lend their voices, it amplifies the message far beyond usual channels, turning concert halls and social media into platforms for political dialogue.

The hunger strikers behind bars are more than just names on a news brief—they represent a flashpoint where civil liberties, government policy, and grassroots resistance collide. Whether you’re a fan of the music or a passionate supporter of justice, this moment invites reflection on the role of activism in shaping our societies.

FAQ

• Who are the Palestine Action prisoners on hunger strike?
  They are six activists among a group charged with crimes related to protests against Elbit Systems and RAF Brize Norton, currently held on remand in the UK.
• What charges do the Filton 24 face?
  Charges include aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder, with the Crown Prosecution Service citing a "terrorism connection" though no Terrorism Act charges have been filed.
• What is the UK government's stance on the hunger strikes?
  Officials emphasize existing prison healthcare procedures, stating prisoners are monitored and treated as necessary, and stress the independence of the judiciary in handling legal cases.
• Why was Palestine Action proscribed as a terrorist group?
  The group was banned under the Terrorism Act 2000 due to its direct actions against military contractors, making membership or support a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
• How have musicians supported Palestine Action prisoners?
  Artists like Massive Attack, Kneecap, and Hozier have publicly expressed solidarity, criticized government actions, and encouraged fans to advocate for prisoner rights.

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