RMT demands urgent action to protect rights of remand prisoners on hunger strike RMT has called on the government to immediately intervene to protect the lives of remand prisoners currently on hunger strike. The prisoners have now been without food for more than 40 days, giving rise to serious concerns about their health, welfare, and the duty of care responsibilities of the authorities. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “The government must immediately intervene to protect the lives of hunger strikers taking action in support of Palestine. "Regardless of the allegations against these individuals, the authorities have a clear obligation to ensure humane treatment and to protect life. “These are fundamental principles of justice in Britain, that must be upheld at all times. "The government must act now to protect lives and meet with the prisoners’ legal representatives without delay.” RMT will continue to work alongside the wider trade union movement and politicians to press the government to uphold its responsibilities and ensure that human rights and basic standards of decency are fully respected.