Iran talks must mention detained couple, Kent son says
It's after explosions were reported at Evin Prison, where Lindsay and Craig Foreman have started a 10 year sentence
A Folkestone man whose Mum and Stepdad are detained in Iran says their names must be mentioned in government talks on war.
It's after explosions were reported at Evin Prison, where Lindsay and Craig Foreman have started a 10 year sentence over spying charges, which they deny.
The couple were detained in January last year while passing through the country as part of an around-the-world motorcycle trip.
Their son, Joe Bennett, who has been advocating for their release, described the government's response as "spineless": "They're not advocating.
"When Keir Starmer speaks about the war in Parliament, he's not mentioning their names.
"When you're talking about Iran, that should be at least one of the topics in that discussion.
"They should be mentioned at least once.
"But all of this, 'we're concerned'. It's behind closed doors. It doesn't mean anything to us."
"No one quite knows how it's going to play out."
He added that he has managed to speak to the couple on the phone, who have said that they're dealing with the situation by focusing on "making sure they're okay in the moment."
It's a similar situation for family at home - Joe added they're having to take every day as it comes:
"There's a big concern that their lives are genuinely in danger.
"They're in a war zone.
"And no one quite knows how that's going to play out."
Government "relentlessly" pursuing their case
An FCDO spokesperson said:
“The welfare of British nationals detained in Iran is a priority for this government and continues to be during the current situation in the Middle East.
“We have been clear that Craig and Lindsay’s sentences are completely appalling and totally unjustifiable, and we will continue to pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government and will do so until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned to the UK and reunited with their family.
"We continue to provide consular assistance to them and their family.”