The power is in the hands of the DPP or the attorney general, writes Stephen Sedley . Plus Roshi Fernando on Keir Starmer’s unforgivable conduct The prisons minister may justifiably say that temporary release for prisoners awaiting trial is a matter for an independent judiciary, but this by no means absolves the state of responsibility for the fate of those on hunger strike ( Health of Palestine Action hunger strikers deteriorating, supporters say, 6 January ). Given the almost unbelievable length of time the court system apparently requires before it can try these cases, it is open to the director of public prosecutions or the attorney general to notify the defence lawyers that if a fresh application for bail is now made, they will cooperate in bringing it before the high court and at the hearing will not oppose the grant of bail. Continue reading...