RICHMONDSHIRE MP Rishi Sunak has raised concerns in Parliament over the imprisonment of ex British soldiers in an Indian jail accused of gun running.

The ‘Chennai Six’, including Catterick veteran Nicholas Simpson were sentenced to five years in prison earlier this year after the ship they were providing anti piracy protection on was detained in India.

Mr Sunak called on the Foreign Office Minister Alok Sharma to step in to help and revealed they are due to meet the families of the detained men.

Mr Simpson, 43 who is married with two children is being held along with Nick Dunn from Ashington and four others.

The Minister Mr Sharma said:”My heart goes out to the families I have raised this issue with the Indian authorities and I know my honourable friend is working incredibly hard.”

The ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio, allegedly entered Indian waters illegally with the weapons onboard. AdvanFort the firm employing the men insisted the ship had the correct papers for what was on board and all the weapons onboard had been properly registered. The men had been detained for over two years before they were sentenced to five years on weapons charges in January.