Minister says government not mistreating Palestine Action activists on hunger strike

Commons leader denies allegation and says government ‘not trying to break bodies’ after doctor said prisoners were dying

The government is “not trying to break the bodies” of Palestine Action protesters on hunger strike, a minister has said, after a doctor said eight of the activists were dying.

The prisoners on hunger strike are facing charges related to alleged break-ins or criminal damage on behalf of Palestine Action before the group was banned under terrorism legislation in July, charges which they deny and have called to be dropped.