Local MP Jesse Norman has welcomed the news that David and Maria Summers can at last be reunited in Herefordshire. Mrs Summers has been granted a right of abode and can return to the UK from Canada.

Mr and Mrs Summers, who have been married for 45 years, moved to Hereford from Canada to retire and provide care for David’s elderly mother.

But Maria was refused a UK visa because immigration officials ruled that the couple were not in an "affectionate relationship". This decision was eventually overturned by a tribunal.

A second attempt to secure a visa was then denied on the grounds that they lacked the necessary finances to remain in the UK. This was disputed by the couple, but Maria was forced to return to Canada last summer.

Jesse has fought the case within Parliament and Whitehall on the couple’e behalf, with immigration officials and ministers.

At Prime Minister’s Questions on November 18th, he brought the case directly to the David Cameron’s attention, and the Prime Minister agreed to ask officials to look at the situation again.

Mr and Mrs Summers have since heard that Maria has been granted right of abode and can return to the UK.

Jesse Norman said: “I’m delighted that David and Maria can carry on their lives in Herefordshire together.

“This has been a long and frustrating struggle, and it has gone on for far too long. But this decision now means Maria has the right to enter the country again and remain in the UK for at least ten years.

"It’s not yet a permanent solution, but it is a huge step forward."