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- Suella Braverman Leaves Tories to Join Reform UK: What It Means for Politics
- Paul Scholes suggests Michael Carrick might manage a rival of Man Utd | Football
- ‘Providing No Impact’ – Arteta urged to bench key Arsenal player after Man Utd loss
- Airports in Asia Reinstate Health Checks Amid Nipah Virus Outbreak | Latest News
- Borussia Dortmund outraged by Chelsea’s unexpected transfer choice | Football
- Mother of hunger striker feels ‘powerless’ as doctors warn of imminent death
- Russian Father Assaulted by Brits in Sunbed Dispute at 5-Star Resort | News World
- Arsenal Legend Criticises Fans for Actions Following Man Utd Loss
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Suella Braverman Leaves Tories to Join Reform UK: What It Means for Politics
4:55 am
Trojan Horse – Are Tories planning on taking over Reform UK from within? What It Means for UK Politics
- Suella Braverman, former Tory Home Secretary, has defected to Reform UK.
- Braverman criticises the Conservative Party’s current direction and leadership.
- She aims to advocate for traditional conservative values within her new party.
- The move raises questions about political realignments ahead of upcoming elections.
- Braverman’s departure adds to recent trends of discontent within the Conservative ranks.
Suella Braverman Leaves Tories to Join Reform UK: What It Means for British Politics
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has officially joined Reform UK, marking a significant shift in her political allegiance as she distances herself from the Conservative Party. This development comes amid ongoing tensions within Tory ranks and a growing discontent regarding party direction.
Takes a swipe on her way out
The decision appears rooted in Braverman’s criticism of her former party, but some have suggested the Israelis, who back her, believe that Reform will swallow the Tory party up. However, via her official channels she has been particularly in its handling of immigration and economic policies, issues she feels are not being adequately addressed.
Her move signals a pronounced shift towards the right, as she aims to align with Reform UK’s platform, which advocates for stricter immigration controls and free-market principles.
“Our country stands humiliated and weakened around the world” says Suella Braverman who played a leading role as a Tory MP and Home Secretary in humiliating & weakening it and selling British secrets to foreign intelligence.
Is Reform UK a new approach or just new branding?
Braverman made her announcement today, stating, “I believe it is time for a new approach that prioritises the British people’s concerns.” Her comments reflect a belief that Reform UK can more effectively address issues that she feels the Conservatives are neglecting.
The announcement was made at Reform UK’s headquarters in Westminster, London, where Braverman was introduced by party leader Richard Tice. Tice remarked, “Suella is a powerful addition to our team, and together, we will challenge the status quo.” This highlights the party’s strategy to bolster its ranks with prominent political figures.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Braverman’s defection could resonate with conservative voters disillusioned by the current government, but then again all voters are disillusioned by their party.
Her future role has been key to her defection, and whilst she will take a tough anti-Muslim stance in Reform will she strike the right tone and attract new support for whilst the crooked-teath Nigel Farage is at the helm? Nigel Farage was the type of politician the Tories looked down at.
Related News Opinions; Perspective
BBC
Ex-Tory Home Secretary Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK
The Guardian
Suella makes the ultimate sacrifice as she ditches Tories for Reform | John Crace
The Conversation
Suella Braverman defects: is Reform becoming a magnet for Tory baggage?
Sky News
Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK – and hits out at Tory ‘mental health’ briefing
Paul Scholes suggests Michael Carrick might manage a rival of Man Utd | Football
9:00 pm
TL:DR – Paul Scholes suggests Michael Carrick might manage a rival of Man Utd | Football
- Michael Carrick has made an impressive start as Manchester United’s interim manager, achieving victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
- Paul Scholes speculates Carrick might succeed at Tottenham after his United contract ends.
- Despite his strong performance, analysts suggest that experienced managers are needed for United’s long-term success.
- Carrick remains focused on improving the team before the next manager joins, with his future uncertain.
- His next match is against Fulham in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick could go on to manage Man Utd’s rival, says Paul Scholes | Football
Michael Carrick has enjoyed an exceptional start in his second spell as Manchester United’s interim boss (Picture: Getty)
Paul Scholes says it ‘wouldn’t surprise’ him to see Michael Carrick take charge of Tottenham when his contract as Manchester United’s interim manager expires at the end of the season.
Carrick has enjoyed a phenomenal start to life back in the Old Trafford hot seat having picked up the pieces from Ruben Amorim’s turbulent reign earlier this month.
Faced with the daunting challenge of taking on the Premier League’s top two in his first two matches, Carrick has, so far, passed the test with flying colours – overseeing stunning victories against both Manchester City and then Arsenal.
The manner of United’s defeat of league leaders Arsenal made it all the more impressive, with the visitors forced to come from behind after Lisandro Martinez’s own goal midway through the first half at the Emirates.
It means Carrick remains unbeaten across his two temporary spells in charge of the Red Devils having steered the club to two wins and a draw following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal back in late 2021.
The 44-year-old will no doubt be desperate to extend this outstanding record when United return to top-flight action at home to Fulham in six days’ time.
While Carrick’s tenure remains in its infancy, the way in which he has managed to turn the side’s fortunes around has raised the possibility that perhaps he should be handed the job on a permanent basis in the summer.
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Carrick and Scholes were long-time team-mates at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)
But much like Roy Keane at the weekend, Scholes insists United should be looking at far more experienced managers if they are to return to their former glory.
‘It couldn’t have been better [timing], players coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations,’ Scholes said of Carrick’s strong start on the latest The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
‘It’s been perfect for him but he’s still got to do the job.’
Scholes, who played alongside Carrick for seven seasons at United, continued: ‘He’s come into the job now and it’s been that bad for a year that it couldn’t really get any worse so the pressure isn’t really on you while you’re interim manager.
‘Once you take that job full-time, at the start of the season next year, let’s say, all of a sudden you’ve got to be winning games straightaway.
‘They will be scarred a little bit from the Ole [Gunnar Solksjaer] thing. If the Ole thing hadn’t have happened then it would probably be more likely.
‘But if Michael has got to go up against, say, Thomas Tuchel in the summer then there’s only one winner if you’re looking at coaching big clubs and winning big prizes so you can’t really compete with that.’
Cunha’s stunning strike against Arsenal ensured Carrick’s perfect start continued (Picture: Getty)
Scholes’ podcast colleague, Nicky Butt, echoed these comments, claiming Carrick will be aware that he is unlikely to remain at the Theatre of Dreams – no matter what happens between now and the end of the season.
‘I think Michael is that bright and intelligent, he’ll understand the job that he’s got,’ ex-United and England midfielder Butt said.
‘I can’t ever imagine Michael going on the TV… maybe his last game if he’s third or something like that… but up until then, he knows he’s got a contract until the end of the season to get the club moving forward in the right direction for the next manager.
Carrick’s side play host to Fulham in their next Premier League match (Picture: Getty)
‘He’ll know that and I know Michael well, he won’t be out there, he’s not stupid enough to say, “Yeah, I want the job”, because that’s not what he signed up to.
‘His next job, if he wants to stay in football as a manager for another club, would be a good job if he does well here.’
It was in this moment that Scholes backed Carrick to manage another of his former clubs in Tottenham, where Thomas Frank currently finds himself under intense pressure after a wretched debut season.
This is despite the fact Carrick’s only other permanent managerial position was with Championship outfit Middlesbrough, where he was relieved of his duties last summer.
‘It could be like a Tottenham manager from this [for Carrick],’ Scholes said.
‘It wouldn’t surprise me.’
Asked if Carrick would be prepared to stick around and take up a coaching role under United’s next permanent manager, Scholes replied: ‘No, I think that would be weird.
‘He’s had three years at Middlesbrough being a manager and I don’t think he’d want to do that.’
‘Providing No Impact’ – Arteta urged to bench key Arsenal player after Man Utd loss
6:28 pm
TL:DR – ‘Providing No Impact’ – Arteta urged to bench key Arsenal player after Man Utd loss
- Gabriel Jesus struggles: Limited impact, replaced after 58 minutes as Arsenal sought an equaliser. [1]
- Martin Zubimendi’s blunder: A costly mistake led to United’s equaliser, highlighting a rare off day for the summer signing. [2]
- Martinez’s mixed performance: An own goal overshadowed his resilience in defence, demonstrating ongoing challenges for the Argentine. [3]
- Bryan Mbeumo shines: Key in United’s comeback, showcasing his talent and value since returning from AFCON. [4]
- Patrick Dorgu’s promising display: A stunning goal highlighted his growing consistency, though injured late in the match. [5]
‘Offering nothing’ – Arteta told he must drop key Arsenal star after Man Utd defeat | Football
UK News’ Tom Olver breaks down the winners and losers from Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates.
Match Summary
Gabriel Jesus stutters in centre-forward audition
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Gabriel Jesus was found wanting for the most part at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)
Given the nod over Viktor Gyokeres after an impressive brace against Inter Milan in midweek, Gabriel Jesus will no doubt have been itching to nail down his spot as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice centre-forward.
But with the Gunners utterly dominant in the early exchanges, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard combined to provide the main threat from out wide – with the Brazilian a largely peripheral figure through the middle, in stark contrast with Bryan Mbeumo at the other end of the pitch.
It was more of the same from Jesus as the second half wore on and Mikel Arteta had seen enough by the 58th minute, with his side stumbling in search of an equaliser after a spirited fightback from the visitors.
A huge opportunity missed for the former Manchester City attacker as United threw a cat amongst the pigeons in this year’s title race. It leaves Arteta with a tough call to make up front ahead of Arsenal’s return to top-flight action at Leeds next weekend.
Match Highlights
A rare moment to forget for Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi gifted United their equaliser (Picture: Getty)
Martin Zubimendi helped gift United a route back into the game with a horrible lapse in concentration at a crucial stage in the contest before half-time.
Arsenal’s usually metronomic summer signing has hardly put a foot wrong since joining from Real Sociedad and the Spaniard could scarcely believe what he had done as Mbeumo latched onto his misplaced pass before calmly rounding David Raya and stroking the ball home.
An unwanted collector’s item for Zubimendi and a moment he will not want to repeat any time soon.
Even ignoring his blunder, there was a distinct lack of creativity and urgency from Zubimendi when the hosts badly needed someone to stand up and take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Arsenal match ratings: Raya 7, Timber 7, Saliba 5, Gabriel 5, Hincapie 6, Zubimendi 4, Rice 7, Odegaard 6, Saka 6, Trossard 6, Jesus 4. Subs: White 4, Merino 7, Eze 5, Madueke 5, Gyokeres 4.
Current Standings
A mixed day for Martinez
Arsenal opened the scoring thanks to Martinez’s own goal (Picture: Getty)
Martinez has endured surely his toughest period yet as a United player and things went bad to worse for the diminutive centre-back on the half-hour mark at the Emirates.
After being on the end of some scathing criticism from Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, the Argentine will have been desperate to build on his encouraging display against Manchester City.
But another of United’s Class of ’92 was left less than impressed as Martinez – put under pressure from Jurrien Timber – directed the ball into his own net to open the scoring for Arsenal. ‘He should deal with it,’ said Gary Neville on Sky Sports.
Martinez did, though, show great resilience to keep his chin up to help keep the likes of Saka, Trossard and Jesus quiet alongside a near-faultless Harry Maguire at the heart of Michael Carrick’s defence.
Tactical Analysis
Bryan Mbeumo the big-game competitor
Mbeumo has shone since returning from AFCON (Picture: Getty)
Bryan Mbeumo further showed himself to be perhaps United’s most shrewd piece of summer transfer business with just the latest in a long line of eye-catching performances for the club.
He more than deserved his first-half goal, helping force a rare misplaced pass from Zubimendi with some relentless pressing through the middle. The subsequent finish had all the coolness and confidence of a player well and truly at the peak of his powers.
It’s no coincidence that United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick has coincided with Mbeumo’s welcome return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The £71million spent on Mbeumo will prove to be a steal if the Cameroon international continues in the same vein over the coming weeks and months, adding to his already impressive scoring tally.
Carrick won’t mind Mbeumo’s animated reaction to being substituted for Matheus Cunha in the 68th minute. It’s exactly that kind of character and personality that the club have badly lacked for so long in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Patrick Dorgu comes of age
Dorgu sent the away end into raptures with a thunderous effort in the 50th minute (Picture: Getty)
Michael Carrick was full of praise for Patrick Dorgu’s ‘immense’ performance after a dream derby day for United – and the Dane picked up where he left off this weekend.
It’s fair to say Dorgu has had an up-down start to his United career since becoming the first signing of Ruben Amorim’s turbulent reign. But his talent has always been undoubted – the difference is he’s is now beginning to showcase that ability on a far more consistent basis.
His 50th-minute wonder strike – which Neville branded ‘the goal of a lifetime’ – was the standout moment of quality… that’s until Cunha provided some serious competition with his stunning effort to win it in the closing stages.
Such a shame that a suspected hamstring injury cut short Dorgu’s showing with ten minutes remaining in the capital. Carrick will be praying it’s not as bad as it first appeared so the youngster is able to make a speedy return to the fold.
Man Utd player ratings: Lammens 7, Dalot 6, Maguire 8, Martinez 6, Shaw 6, Casemiro 6, Mainoo 6, Amad 5, Fernandes 7, Dorgu 8, Mbeumo 8. Subs: Cunha 8, Sesko 5, Mazraoui 5.
Airports in Asia Reinstate Health Checks Amid Nipah Virus Outbreak | Latest News
6:01 pm
TL:DR – “Airports in Asia Reinstate Health Checks Amid Nipah Virus Outbreak | Latest News”
- Airports in Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan enforce Covid-style health checks amid possible Nipah virus outbreak from India.
- Two nurses in West Bengal are critically ill following exposure to the virus.
- Health officials monitor 200 individuals, with 100 under quarantine.
- Nipah virus, carried by fruit bats, has no cure and a mortality rate of up to 75%.
- Precautionary measures include health screenings and travel warnings for symptoms.
Airports in Asia reintroduce Covid-style health checks amid Nipah virus breakout | News World
India has struggled with the virus before, such as in 2024 (Picture: Reuters)
Airports have begun rolling out Covid-style health checks amid a possible outbreak of the Nipah virus in India.
Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan are now monitoring passengers for symptoms or stepping up cleaning in a bid to prevent Nipah from jumping borders.
Two nurses in Barasat, West Bengal, were sickened by the virus in late December after a patient died of an unknown disease.
One is in critical condition and the other is in a coma, according to local media.
Health officials are now monitoring as many as 200 people possibly exposed to the virus, with 100 quarantined in a hospital.
In response, hundreds of passengers from India are now having to undergo screenings before entering some Thai airports.
What is the Nipah virus?
Nipah is a rare brain-damaging virus that resides in fruit bats across South and Southeast Asia.
Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, such as fevers, body aches, and vomiting, which can worsen to respiratory syndrome and brain inflammation.
There is no vaccine or cure and mortality rates can be as high as 75%. Some survivors exhibit neurological effects, such as different personalities.
The disease spreads to humans through contact, like eating fruit or sap contaminated by the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats.
It was first identified during an outbreak in 1998 among pig farmers in Malaysia, where it killed over 100 people.
Nipah has long been considered a possible epidemic threat to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Disease control checkpoints were installed at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports on Sunday.
Airport staff screened 332 travellers aboard two flights from Kolkata yesterday, according to the BBC.
Similar measures have been introduced at Phuket Airport, which offers a direct flight to Kolkata’s international airport in West Bengal.
If they show Nipah symptoms, such as a high fever, they may be quarantined.
Fruit bats carry Nipah virus (Picture: NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
Travellers may be given a ‘Health Beware Card’ upon landing, warning them to seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms.
Public parks and wildlife areas have also been ordered by the government to toughen screenings for people entering caves.
‘Don’t hunt, don’t forage, don’t eat,’ officials said.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today that no Nipah cases have been found in the country.
Nepal’s government has imposed prevention measures at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and other border points.
Hospitals must flag suspicious cases to officials and health desks are screening travellers.
Health workers contained an outbreak of Nipah virus in the southern state of Kerala in 2023 (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Taiwan, meanwhile, is set to upgrade the Nipah virus to a Category 5 notifiable disease, the highest classification.
While some reports say the number of confirmed cases is as many as five, an infectious disease specialist told the ANI news agency this isn’t true.
Dr. Sayan Chakraborty said: ‘Earlier, it seemed like the cases might increase, but nothing like that has happened.
‘The government has done a good job. All the contact tracing, quarantining everyone, and testing have been done properly.
‘The panic that was there earlier is no longer present, and people have followed all the precautions that were advised.’
Borussia Dortmund outraged by Chelsea’s unexpected transfer choice | Football
5:00 pm
TL:DR – Borussia Dortmund outraged by Chelsea’s unexpected transfer choice | Football
- Aaron Anselmino bids farewell to Borussia Dortmund after Chelsea ends his loan prematurely.
- The 20-year-old defender returns to Stamford Bridge, filling gaps caused by injuries to Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill.
- Chelsea’s hopes of signing a new defender are stalled, with Marc Guehi opting for Manchester City.
- Dortmund expresses disappointment over Anselmino’s return.
- Head coach Liam Rosenior is keen to manage rising star Estevao’s minutes carefully.
Borussia Dortmund furious with Chelsea over shock transfer decision | Football
### Match Summary
Aaron Anselmino has said a tearful goodbye to his Borussia Dortmund teammates after Chelsea terminated his loan spell with the Bundesliga club. The 20-year-old, whose only appearance for his parent club since his move from Boca Juniors two years ago came in last summer’s Club World Cup, joined Dortmund in the summer and had made a positive impact over the course of his 10 appearances. Anselmino will return to Stamford Bridge, however, for the remainder of the campaign to bolster new head coach Liam Rosenior’s defensive options.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are both currently unavailable due to injuries, leaving just Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile as options at centre-half. Chelsea had hoped to sign a new defender during the January transfer window but it appears they will be unable to sign top target Jeremy Jacquet until the summer. The Blues did hold a measure of interest in Marc Guehi, but the England international turned down the chance to return to west London and sign for Manchester City instead. As a result, Chelsea have opted to recall Anselmino, and although they are within their rights to do so, the decision has, according to Bild, caused anger at Dortmund who were banking on the Argentine seeing out the season with them.
‘Centre-back Aaron Anselmino is leaving Borussia Dortmund and will return to Chelsea FC with immediate effect,’ read a blunt statement on the club’s official website. ‘Thank you, Aaron, for your time at BVB and all the best for your future!’
### Match Highlights
Rosenior, meanwhile, wants Chelsea to remain vigilant about Estevao’s workload after the 18-year-old produced a goal and an assist in their 3-1 victory at 10-man Crystal Palace on Sunday. The young Brazilian opened the scoring at Selhurst Park, then teed up compatriot Joao Pedro for the Blues’ second goal after the break.
### Current Standings
Rosenior was happy to single out Estevao as a “special talent,” but said it remains critical not to pile too much on his plate. ‘Off the pitch, I know his family are here with him,’ said Rosenior. ‘I know the club have worked really, really hard for him to settle. I also know that Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro have helped him especially settle into the country.
### Tactical Analysis
‘With an 18-year-old with a talent like his, you have to manage his minutes. You have to manage the games that you think are the right moments for him to have an impact. ‘And I’ll keep doing that because I want him to have an outstanding season (and) I want him to have an outstanding career as well.’
Mother of hunger striker feels ‘powerless’ as doctors warn of imminent death
3:01 pm
TL:DR – Mother of hunger striker feels ‘powerless’ as doctors warn of imminent death
- Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old activist, has been on a hunger strike for 17 days, recently beginning a thirst strike.
- His family expresses grave concern for his health, fearing he is “round the corner from death.”
- Khalid has a genetic disorder, increasing his risk of severe health complications.
- Protests in support of Khalid led to clashes with police, resulting in 86 arrests.
- Amnesty International has called for urgent government intervention and medical care for Khalid.
Mother of hunger striker feels ‘helpless’ after doctors warn he could die within days | News UK
Umer Khalid has been on a thirst strike since Friday
A pro-Palestinian striker is ’round the corner from death’ after days without water, his family and supporters have told UK News.
Umer Khalid, 22, has been on hunger strike for 17 days over his treatment in jail since facing charges for alleged involvement in the break-in at RAF Brize Norton.
The activist, who has an underlying genetic disorder, stopped drinking water on Friday, putting his life ‘at risk’.
Khalid was subsequently taken to hospital from HMP Wormwood Scrubs yesterday before being returned later that day, his mum Shabana Khalid told UK News.
Protestors supporting Khalid clashed with police outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs on Saturday (Picture: Lab Mo/LNP)
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Shabana, 43, said she understands her son was taken to hospital at around 11am on Sunday but has not heard from him directly since Saturday.
The mum, who lives in Manchester, told UK News: ‘I am very worried, this is an absolute nightmare.
‘I cannot sleep. I feel helpless. Not being able to speak to him and have that reassurance that he is ok is the worst.’
Shabana said she spoke with Ulmer on Saturday, who was then two days into his thirst strike and told her he had a ‘very dry mouth’.
Despite warnings from doctors that people can die within three or four days when on thirst strike, she says he is resolute.
Shabana said: ‘He is not going to back down. He fulfills whatever he says the best he can. He will do the best for everybody around him.’
Dr Qureshi, research director at CAGE International, told UK News: ‘On thirst strike, your body can only take three or four days max. And he’s already been on hunger strike for two weeks.
‘We’re just extremely worried that death is around the corner. I’m genuinely worried he’ll get to a state where he might not survive.’
He said Khalid was due to start his thirst strike on Saturday, but told Dr Qureshi he was beginning it on Friday after staff moved him to a segregated part of the prison.
Khalid initially went on hunger strike in November alongside seven other activists in prison (Picture Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
Dr Qureshi said Khalid told him ‘things were a struggle’ due to tiredness when they last spoke on Friday.
CAGE International supports people who have been affected by counter-terrorism legislation and policy.
Khalid began a hunger strike in November alongside seven other prisoners in custody over their alleged roles in Palestine Action break-ins.
The others have now all ended their action, whereas Khalid continued his hunger strike after a brief pause at Christmas when he became unwell.
Protestors supporting the activist clashed with police at HMP Wormwood Scrubs on Saturday night.
Eighty-six members of the group were detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass after they ‘breached prison grounds’, the Met Police said.
Shabana claimed Khalid’s phone was taken away from him during the protest on Saturday, as often happens, but said it was unusual that she had still not heard from him by now.
What can happen during a hunger strike?
Ian Miller, a historian of hunger strikes in British prisons, told UK News that a hunger strike can typically play out physiologically as follows:
Days One to Seven: decreasing heart rate, physical wasting, weight loss (as bodies eat up their fat reserves in the adipose tissue.
Days Eight to Fourteen: Bodies begin using glycogen stores (energy located in the liver and muscles). Ammonia produced giving a distinctive smell. Weight loss slows down. Loss of heart mass causing a slow heart beat.
Days Fifteen Onwards: Tendencies to collapse and become bedbound. Nightmares very common early on. Physical and psychological health worsens significantly. Very disturbed sleep. ‘Raving all night’, as one hunger strike termed it in the 1920s.
Around twenty to sixty/seventy days: Patients essentially in a state of complete exhaustion, but often still conscious until around 50 days.
Over 70 days: With zero medical intervention or food, this seems to be roughly the limit of survival. In 1920, hunger striker Terence MacSwiney lasted 74 days before he died.
Khalid has a genetic disorder, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, which makes him more vulnerable.
This disorder means he needs a healthy diet and plenty of protein, Shabana said.
He has been warned by doctors that his thirst strike could lead to death within days.
In comments provided by Prisoners for Palestine, Dr Rupa Marya said: ‘With no fluid intake, typically people die of acute kidney failure and other derangements within three to four days.
‘With Khalid’s underlying health condition, he is at increased risk of death even sooner.
‘While the UK government is making plans to build skyscrapers over the remains of Gaza’s buried children, Khalid’s actions expose the absolute barbarity and racist hypocrisy of the UK legal system.
‘By Monday, if the UK government continues to stall, we can expect this young man to be well in the process of dying if not dead.’
Amnesty International raised concerns about Khalid’s condition after he escalated his hunger strike to a thirst strike.
Umer Khalid is on thirst strike at HMP Wormwood Scrubs (Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
Kerry Moscogiuri, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, said on Friday: ‘Umer Khalid is in a desperate situation and we urge representatives of the Government to meet with his lawyers this weekend before it is too late.
‘Amnesty International has long opposed the misuse of terrorism powers that has led to lengthy, oppressive, and disproportionate detention conditions, contributing directly to this crisis.
‘None of the people who have been involved in the hunger strikes have been found guilty of a crime, yet some have been held in prison for up to 18 months and counting in restrictive conditions after anti-terrorism powers have been used against them.
‘Action is urgently needed now to guarantee communication with legal representatives, ensure proper family contact and provide all urgent and appropriate medical care.’
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: ‘Reports of fluid refusal are extremely concerning and the dangers of this are explained to prisoners by healthcare experts.
‘Prisoners are being managed in line with longstanding policy. This includes regular checks by medical professionals, heart monitoring and blood tests, and support to help them eat and drink again.
‘If deemed appropriate by healthcare teams, prisoners will be taken to hospital.’
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