Family Of East Sussex Couple Jailed In Iran Urge Prime Minister To Secure Their Release

(c) Free Lindsay and Craig campaign

The family and friends of an East Sussex couple jailed in Iran are calling on outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to do everything possible to bring them home before he leaves office.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman remain detained in Tehran's Evin Prison after losing an appeal against their 10-year prison sentences on spying charges.

In a fresh statement, relatives say they fear the couple's case could become overlooked during the transition to a new UK government, warning they could be "lost in the hands of political change".

Their son, Joe Bennett, says the family is desperate for action.

He said:

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

"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."

The couple, originally from East Sussex, were travelling the world by motorcycle when they were arrested in Iran in January 2025.

Campaigners say conditions have become increasingly difficult for the pair. Earlier this year, relatives revealed they had been prevented from seeing one another and denied access to phone cards after speaking publicly about their case.

In response, Craig, a carpenter, and Lindsay, a life coach, began separate hunger strikes in May.

The family has repeatedly called on the UK government to raise the case directly with Iranian authorities and international partners, while pushing for consular access, medical treatment, welfare support and regular family contact.

Joe Bennett says the time for action is now.

He added:

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

The Foreign Office has previously said it is supporting the family and remains engaged with Iranian authorities regarding the couple's detention.