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The family of a British couple imprisoned in Iran has urged the government to explore the possibility of a prisoner swap to secure their release, as the couple continues a hunger strike. Craig and Lindsay Foreman, originally from East Sussex, have been detained since January 2025. In February, they were handed 10-year prison sentences on espionage charges, which they staunchly deny. Their appeal was dismissed, according to the family.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son, has suggested that releasing an Iranian national currently held in the UK in exchange for the Foremans could be a viable solution. He questioned why this option has not been pursued to secure the freedom of his mother and stepfather. So far, the Foreign Office has expressed disappointment over the rejected appeal but reiterated its commitment to working toward the couple’s return.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged to Sky News that prisoner exchanges can be arranged but expressed skepticism about the credibility of such a move in this case. Meanwhile, the justice secretary refrained from disclosing details, citing concerns that such information could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic discussions with Iran. Bennett described the family’s knowledge of the situation as “very, very fractured” and emphasized their growing worry over the Foremans’ hunger strike, with Craig Foreman on his 30th day and Lindsay on her 21st.
Bennett revealed that the Iranian individual in the UK, who could potentially be exchanged, has been in a maximum-security prison for 23 years. At one point, there were indications Tehran might consider releasing this person, but Bennett criticized the government for apparently “sitting on their hands.” The family remains deeply concerned about the physical and mental toll the hunger strike is taking on Craig and Lindsay Foreman, whom they describe as trapped in a prolonged and opaque legal process. Richard Ratcliffe, whose wife was also detained in Iran, noted that such cases are often politically motivated and described the Foremans’ legal proceedings as “theatre,” suggesting the timing may carry strategic significance
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