Three arrested at HMP Bronzefield protest linked to Palestine Action
Surrey Police said officers were called to a lawful protest at the prison in Ashford at around 5.30am on Wednesday (17 December)
Last updated 18th Dec 2025
Three people have been arrested following a protest outside HMP Bronzefield in support of a woman linked to Palestine Action.
Surrey Police said officers were called to a lawful protest at the prison in Ashford at around 5.30am on Wednesday (17 December) and left at 9am, only to return at 9.53am when protesters "attempted to gain entry to restricted areas".
Video shared on social media showed crowds demonstrating in support of one of eight prisoners who are being held on remand at various prisons as they await trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage on behalf of Palestine Action, which was proscribed as a terror group in the summer.
The eight are on hunger strike, and some of them have been taken to hospital.
Surrey Police said a member of prison staff was assaulted while officers helped remove protesters from the building, and a 29-year-old man from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was arrested for suspected assault occasioning bodily harm.
In a statement, the force said: "At the point of arresting this man, several people became disruptive towards police and a police officer was assaulted.
"A 28-year-old woman from Worcester Park, Surrey has been arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm.
"The protesters then blocked the road, delaying our ability to get medical assistance to the injured officer.
"This also caused disruption to prison transport, causing an impact on wider policing activity in Surrey."
Surrey Police said a police vehicle was also damaged and a 28-year-old man from Glasgow was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with the incident.
All three remain in custody.
Detective Superintendent Matt Barcraft-Barnes said: "We will support people's rights, including those involved in lawful protest, however, this is balanced with the impact on the wider community and I condemn the actions of those involved in extensive disorder and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
"It is unacceptable that two emergency services workers have been assaulted in today's incident."
During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer was asked whether he would make arrangements for the Ministry of Justice to meet the hunger strikers' lawyers about their treatment.
Sir Keir said: "He will appreciate there are rules and procedures in place in relation to hunger strikes, and we're following those rules and procedures."
He had been challenged by independent MP Jeremy Corbyn, who claimed there have been "regular breaches of prison conditions and prison rules".
Earlier this week, a group of 51 MPs and peers, including 19 Labour MPs, wrote to Justice Secretary David Lammy urging him to meet the lawyers of the eight prisoners on hunger strike.
In the letter, seen by the Press Association, the MPs and peers wrote: "We are growing increasingly dismayed at the Government's lack of action to protect the health and wellbeing of British citizens.
"If you will not meet with the MPs who are representing the hunger strikers and their loved ones, then we plead with you to urgently meet with their solicitors and act to prevent a catastrophe."