Protests Erupt at Wormwood Scrubs in Support of Hunger Striker Umer Khalid

On January 24, 2026, a group of protesters supporting Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike, breached the grounds of HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London. The Metropolitan Police reported that the demonstrators were detained after they allegedly blocked prison staff from entering and exiting the facility and threatened police officers. The group reportedly entered a staff entrance area of the prison, prompting police to intervene and make arrests on suspicion of aggravated trespass.

Protesters supporting Palestine Action hunger striker arrested outside prisonPro-Palestine mob break into London prison as police make multiple arrestsArrests after protesters breach London prison groundsPolice make arrests at Wormwood Scrubs after protesters 'breached prison grounds' in support of jailed pro-Palestine hunger striker

Umer Khalid is currently awaiting trial for charges related to a break-in at RAF Brize Norton, which occurred in June 2025. He has been in custody since July 2025 and is accused of criminal damage and entering a prohibited place. Khalid began his hunger strike in November 2025, protesting these charges, and has recently escalated his protest by refusing to drink water. He is the last remaining participant in the Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike campaign, following the cessation of protests by seven other activists.

Pro-Palestine mob break into London prison as police make multiple arrests

The protest was organized by the Free Umer Khalid campaign, which called for supporters to gather outside the prison at 8 PM. Footage from the event showed demonstrators chanting slogans and holding signs, with some reportedly entering a locker room within the prison. The Metropolitan Police stated that they were "in the process of making a number of arrests" as the situation unfolded.

Protesters supporting Palestine Action hunger striker arrested outside prison

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers were deployed after protesters breached the prison grounds and refused to leave when ordered. They emphasized that all individuals involved would be arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass. The police have indicated they will provide updates on the number of arrests once all individuals are in custody.

Arrests after protesters breach London prison grounds

Critics of the protest have raised concerns about the methods employed by the demonstrators, particularly the breach of prison grounds and the alleged threats to police officers. The Ministry of Defence previously condemned actions taken by Palestine Action activists, including vandalism at military sites, highlighting the broader implications of such protests on public safety and security.

Police make arrests at Wormwood Scrubs after protesters 'breached prison grounds' in support of jailed pro-Palestine hunger striker

Umer Khalid's trial is scheduled to begin on January 18, 2027, and is expected to last up to eight weeks. The outcome of this case may further influence public discourse surrounding Palestine Action and the treatment of political prisoners in the UK.

Pro-Palestine mob break into London prison as police make multiple arrests

• “All those involved are currently detained and will be arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass.” — Metropolitan Police Spokesperson

Pro-Palestine mob break into London prison as police make multiple arrests

• “Activists at Wormwood Scrubs tonight could be seen holding signs that read: 'Umer Khalid speaking justice to injustice everywhere.” — Protest Sign at Wormwood Scrubs

Police make arrests at Wormwood Scrubs after protesters 'breached prison grounds' in support of jailed pro-Palestine hunger striker