<p><br /> A British couple kidnapped by pirates more than six months ago have appealed to the new government for help.<br /> </p><p><br /> Paul and Rachel Chandler, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, were seized by Somali pirates in October while sailing from the Seychelles towards Tanzania.<br /> </p><p><br /> In an interview with a Somali journalist filmed last weekend for ITV and Channel 4 News, Mr Chandler called on the new coalition Government to make a statement on whether or not it will assist the couple.<br /> </p><p><br /> He said: "I would like to say 'congratulations' to David Cameron first. As the new Prime Minister we desperately need him to make a definitive public statement of the Government's attitude to us.<br /> </p><p><br /> "As I said, we are two British citizens, we have been kidnapped in the Seychelles which was a perfectly safe place to be.<br /> </p><p><br /> "If the Government is not prepared to help then they must say so because the gangsters' expectations and hopes have been raised by the thought of a new Government. There might be a different approach. If the Government can help, and I think they should, then we would welcome that and would they please do so. But either way they must make a statement so that we know where we stand."<br /> </p>
