Kumar Sparks Outrage

British comedian Nish Kumar has sparked controversy after urging supporters to pressure MPs over the treatment of Palestine Action activists on hunger strike in UK prisons.

The 40-year-old shared a clip from his Pod Save the UK podcast highlighting the condition of eight jailed activists, several of whom have reportedly been hospitalised, with doctors warning their health is now at serious risk.

Kumar used the clip to criticise what he portrayed as a lack of political urgency from senior government figures, singling out Foreign Secretary David Lammy for failing to respond decisively. “David Lammy dragging his feet on this issue is not something we should be taking lying down,” Kumar said.

The video encouraged viewers to contact their MPs and support an Early Day Motion addressing the activists’ situation. It also noted that some of the hunger strikers have gone more than six weeks without food, while recent bail requests were denied ahead of a trial scheduled for 2027.

Reaction online was deeply divided. Supporters praised Kumar for highlighting what they see as a humanitarian crisis, while critics accused him of misunderstanding the legal process and defending individuals convicted of serious offences.

The clip’s rapid spread on social media drew the attention of GB News presenter Josh Howie, who publicly condemned Kumar’s intervention and framed it as an example of celebrity activism overstepping into legal and security matters. His comments prompted further debate among viewers of the channel, many of whom echoed comparisons to historic hunger strikes and argued against political concessions.

The backlash marks the latest flashpoint in Kumar’s long history of outspoken political engagement. He has repeatedly attracted controversy for his views on Brexit, Conservative leadership, and UK foreign policy, including past incidents where live performances and public appearances were disrupted by hostile reactions.

Kumar has long backed Palestinian causes and opposed moves to label Palestine Action a terrorist group. The ongoing hunger strike has renewed debate over the role of celebrity activism and its limits in matters of national security and criminal law.