## Video Summary In a recent discussion about the Palestine Action hunger strikers, it's been emphasized that while the situation is serious, there are established rules and procedures that all individuals must follow. The Prime Minister confirmed that the government is adhering to these existing regulations in response to concerns raised by MPs about hunger strikers who are remanded and awaiting trial for serious offenses. Many have made multiple unsuccessful bail applications, which has sparked debate about the fairness of detention without conviction, especially as victims also face lengthy waits for justice. Additionally, a major data breach at Jaguar Land Rover has highlighted vulnerabilities in corporate security, underscoring the importance of cybersecurity measures amid rising breaches. Using a VPN like NordVPN is advised to protect personal data and prevent unauthorized access. The conversation also led to criticisms over the TV license, as reforms may allow welfare claimants to receive free licenses while the BBC may implement a subscription model for premium content. This proposal has raised concerns over its potential to alienate viewers rather than encourage license payments. The discussion stresses the need for fairness in the legal system and clarity in government policies. ## Transcript Well, it's finally happened, and I suppose it was going to happen sooner or later. Karma has actually answered a question with a meaningful response, and not only that, I agree with him. So, this is to do with the Palestine Action hunger strikers. On one hand, this could be viewed as one of the most serious situations we've seen for a long time, demanding utmost serious attention from the government. On the other hand, it could be viewed as a simple situation: there are rules to follow, they should follow the rules, and they are victims of their own choices. We'll have a chat about that, but also later in the video, there are a couple of things about the TV license that are going to drive some of you to despair. So a little bit more on that later on in the video. First, just a couple of clips from Parliament, starting off with K Star, where he actually answers a question, and then we'll look at what the law says about what can and cannot happen. Have a listen to this from Corbyn. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the Minister of State for Justice declined a meeting with the representatives of a number of hunger strikers who are currently in prison. These are all remand prisoners; they are not convicted of anything. Since then, a further prisoner, Kazam, has been taken to hospital, as have others. Many are very concerned about the regular breaches of prison conditions and rules for these hunger strikers. Will he make arrangements for the Ministry of Justice to meet with representatives of hunger strikers to discuss these breaches of the conditions they are experiencing? >> Prime Minister. >> Well, as he would appreciate, there are rules and procedures in place in relation to hunger strikes, and we’re following those rules and procedures. >> So, straightforward answer and a sensible response. There are rules and procedures in place, and he says that they are following those rules and procedures. Now, I may not always agree with the rules and procedures. In fact, I think some of the rules need to be changed, and even some of the laws need to be updated, and certainly the time frames aren’t always right. Things take far too long. Even in small claims, we can see months go by before we get anywhere with anything. But that’s by the buy. Everybody has to comply with the same rules. If they feel that there’s been a decision that breaches one of those rules or a decision that was wrong—wrong in law or procedure, or so unreasonable that no reasonable person could have made it—they can challenge those decisions. Speaking broadly, those who are remanded into custody and are affiliated with Palestine Action are charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage, violent disorder, and so on. Some are now on hunger strike because they have a list of demands for the Justice Secretary. I’ll come back to that later. Firstly, I understand that they have made numerous bail applications, all of which have been refused, which warrants some explanation. There is a presumption in most cases—except for the most serious offenses like murder, rape, and terrorism—in favor of bail unless there is a ground to object to it. Those grounds can include serious concerns that the defendant would abscond, interfere with witnesses, or commit further offenses. If that ground has been established, the court will refuse bail. Typically, for serious offenses, there will be two bail applications: one as of right in the Crown Court, where full arguments can be made as to why they should be granted bail. The court can refuse it if those grounds are met. If there’s a material change in circumstances, there can be a further application for bail. Ordinarily, the court will prevent repetitive applications unless there is a substantial material change in circumstances. The court does have discretion whether to entertain full arguments. If it is still refused and they remain in custody—as many of these individuals have—they are effectively held for a long time without having been convicted of anything. This doesn’t mean that it’s fair, but meanwhile, many others are waiting long periods for their trial. Victims, too, wait years until their attackers are brought to justice. This is not fair on them either. Therefore, there are rules to follow. If they remain in custody and disagree with it, they can challenge it via judicial review in the High Court. In other news, I keep warning about these issues, but Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed a data breach where hackers stole personal and payroll data of countless thousands of its staff. This hack is believed to be so impactful that it could shrink the economy. The stolen payroll data reportedly includes bank account details, national insurance numbers, tax codes, salary details, and addresses. While this is just one reported case, imagine how many breaches go unreported. Many people might wonder how these breaches happen. They often occur via malware, malicious websites, or downloads, where attackers convince you to click a link or download a file. Once they obtain your personal data, it becomes easier for them to exploit. This is why I partner with NordVPN, a security layer that acts as a virtual private network between you and the internet. It scans for harmful sites and downloads, which is essential given the rising number of data breaches. You can also utilize Nord Protect for identity theft protection. As a partner, you can get an extra four months free with my code BBB at the link in the description below, nordvpn.com/bb, along with a two-year plan. Important to understand: this isn’t a rehearing of a bail application but a determination on the lawfulness of the decision. If it’s deemed unreasonable to refuse bail, the High Court could overturn that decision, though these instances are rare. Bail refusals and custody remands are based on established grounds and are often complicated legal arguments. Should a court repeatedly refuse bail based on the likelihood of re-offending—which often happens with direct action groups like these—it's a strong basis for objection. Instead of applying for judicial review, eight individuals are now on hunger strike, with one having refused food for over 45 days. Some have deteriorated to the point of requiring hospitalization. This situation has raised significant concern in Parliament, with MPs discussing it and there being considerable correspondence flying back and forth. They are demanding immediate bail for all Palestine Action remand prisoners, a fair and speedy trial, and unbanning the Palestine Action Group, among other requests. However, it's worth reminding ourselves what these individuals are accused of doing. For instance, we've seen a police officer unable to dress after a hammer attack, and a sergeant rendered unable to drive or manage daily tasks after being allegedly attacked with a sledgehammer during a break-in at an Israeli defense firm’s UK site. Six people allegedly used a prison van to break into a warehouse armed with weapons last August. The government has categorized Palestine Action as a terrorist organization due to their history of orchestrating nationwide campaigns of direct criminal action against key infrastructure related to defense firms and institutions. In my simple view, they should follow the same rules as everyone else. Regardless of personal views on those rules or the lengthy processes, all are subject to the same procedures and delays. It’s not just them waiting for justice; victims of serious crimes also endure long waits. No one is advocating for hunger strikes to speed up the justice process for them. I believe government should not give in to remand prisoners making demands through hunger strikes. Lastly, regarding the TV license, some surprising points: first, benefit claimants could receive a free television license under sweeping reforms being considered by Lisa Nandy, our Secretary of State. Additionally, a consultation report is discussing whether the BBC can raise funds via a top-up subscription service for premium content, including repeats on iPlayer. This proposal appears ironically destined to alienate viewers rather than attract additional payments. Personally, I think the BBC should re-strategize and convert the entire system into a subscription model. Many value the BBC and would prefer to pay voluntarily rather than impose a fee that only benefits one organization. It’s akin to paying for a gym membership that only one national gym can utilize, while others do not share in the fee. Conversely, the government now states that, alongside billions in welfare spending, anyone on benefits may receive free TV licenses. Yet others wanting access to repeated content on iPlayer might be charged more for it. It's clear where this is leading. Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments below. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next.