The relatives of a British couple imprisoned in Iran for more than 20 months state that regular communication has not been reinstated, contradicting government assurances. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who are from East Sussex, were sentenced to ten years for espionage charges that they deny. Although they were promised family access after concluding hunger strikes earlier this year, their relatives report that consistent telephone contact has not resumed.
The family is urgently requesting a meeting with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to determine what further steps the UK government can take. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated that the welfare of the couple remains its “top priority” and confirmed that officials are actively working to provide assistance. This includes visits by the British ambassador to the prisoners and efforts to facilitate calls with their relatives in the UK.
The pair initiated their hunger strikes after alleging that prison authorities had started restricting their ability to speak with family members. Lindsay Foreman’s strike lasted 93 days, while Craig Foreman’s lasted 84 days. The family is now pressing for regular consular visits and a dedicated strategy to secure the couple’s release.
A family spokesperson highlighted concerns regarding the scheduling of an upcoming British consular visit on 5 October, noting it would only be the second visit in 2026. They described the delay in arranging the meeting, particularly following the hunger strikes, as “extremely concerning.”
In August, the family met with Middle East Minister Stephen Doughty and Alistair Burt, the UK’s envoy for complex consular detentions. A FCDO spokesperson said Doughty emphasized that the UK considers the incarceration “unjustified and appalling” and outlined the actions being taken to secure their release.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son, who joined his mother for the final five days of her hunger strike, expressed frustration that commitments made after the strikes were not honored. “What I do expect is for our government to stand up for its citizens, to challenge what is happening and to keep pushing when commitments are made and then not honoured,” Bennett said.
Bennett, from Folkestone in Kent, stated that while he understands the British government cannot simply command Iranian authorities, the current situation is unacceptable. He called for a direct meeting with Miliband to ensure every possible avenue is being explored. “After more than 600 days, I do not think that is too much to ask,” he added.
How is this considered progress? The family clearly states promises were broken after the hunger strikes ended. Something is seriously wrong here.
Really surprised the FCDO claims active assistance while visits remain this sparse. Two consular visits in an entire year seems neglectful.
It is heartbreaking that after 20 months, basic communication hasn’t been restored. The UK government needs to do more urgently.