LONDON: Hunger strikers from Palestine Action in the UK have launched legal action against the government, accusing it of abandoning the policy framework for prison safety, The Independent reported.

A pre-action letter was sent to Justice Secretary David Lammy by a legal firm representing the activists.

It came as several imprisoned members of the banned organization — including one who has refused food for 51 days — were hospitalized due to their deteriorating health while on hunger strike.

They say they have sent several letters to Lammy, who is also deputy prime minister, but have received no response.

He was urged in the latest letter to respond within 24 hours as the issue is a “matter of urgency.”