UK minister visits North East prisoners in India
Foreign Office minister Hugo Swuire met with the five men in Indian jail, before highlighting their case with Indian government officials.
Two North East men serving time in an Indian jail have been visited by a UK minister this week.
Nick Simpson from Catterick and Nick Dunn from Ashington are currently serving six years in prison for firearms charges.
They're two of five men held under the charges, which they were sentenced for in January.
In May, the families of the five men held an emotionally charged meeting with Foreign Office and Commonwealth Minister Hugo Swuire, demanding more action to get the men home.
The minister made assurances that he would visit India to raise the case with Indian officials.
Today, the families are overjoyed that Mr Swuires kept to his word.
The MP confirmed on Twitter that he had visited the men in prison and spoken to government officials about the case.
Nick Dunn's sister Lisa is overjoyed to hear action is being taken, but believes it's come rather late.
She said:
"We do believe they are taking this case as seriously as they say they are now.
"We strongly believe that it's as close as we're going to get to the British government saying 'we know Nick and the men are innocent.
"I do believe that this visit is because of the pressure the families have put on the government.
"They've had to step up and do what they can.
"It's reassuring to us that he is taking it seriously and he does believe in the men, and for us that means absolutely everything.
"It's important we get the help we need."
Minister of State for Asia, Hugo Swire, said:
“I am committed to doing everything I can to help the men. The British Government, from the Prime Minister down, has been working hard on their case since their arrest in 2013.
“After meeting their families in Carlisle last month and hearing their feelings first hand, I have now met the men here in Chennai to personally reassure them that we will continue our support.
“I have once again raised their case with the Indian Government in Delhi and Tamil Nadu, making clear our hope that it will move forward as quickly as possible and that it is being followed closely in the UK.”
The family are awaiting news about a date for appeal.