PM urged to help free jailed Iran pair before exit

Family and friends of a couple jailed in Iran have urged outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation on Monday, to help bring the pair home before he leaves office.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, from East Sussex, continue to be detained in Evin prison on spying charges, having lost an appeal over a 10-year prison sentence.

In a statement, the pair's family and friends say they fear the Foremans might be "lost in the hands of political change" as the UK government changes leadership.

"A change of prime minister cannot mean a pause for my mum and Craig," said their son, Joe Bennett, from Folkestone.

The family said in May they were informed the couple were banned from seeing each other and denied access to phone cards after speaking to the press.

Craig, who is a carpenter, and Lindsay, a life coach, then began a hunger strike on 9 May and 18 May respectively.

"Every day they are in there is a day too long," Bennett added.

"Sir Keir spoke about going home to his family, about being the husband and father he wants to be.

"That is all my mum and Craig want too. We are asking him, in whatever time he has left in office, to use it to bring them home."

Lindsay and Craig Foreman were on a global motorcycle journey prior to their arrest in January 2025.

The couple's family has previously called on the UK government to raise the case with Iran and other states, and request Tehran to allow consular access, medical care, welfare support and full family contact.

"The time for waiting is over. The time to bring Lindsay and Craig Foreman home is now," Bennett added.

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