Health Secretary Wes Streeting Supports Court Judgment in Lucy Letby Case
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has firmly stated that the fate of convicted nurse Lucy Letby should be determined solely by the judicial system, not by campaign groups. His comments come as a new documentary examining the case is released on Netflix and inquests into the deaths of five babies she was convicted of murdering are set to begin.
Streeting's Firm Stance on Judicial Process
Speaking to LBC News, Mr Streeting emphasised his continued confidence in the court's judgments regarding Lucy Letby, describing her as a "convicted criminal" found guilty of "some of the most serious crimes imaginable." He made clear that unless a proper judicial process overturns the verdict, he will not provide commentary on the case.
"Unless and until there is a judicial process that says that the court has got it wrong, I have to continue to have confidence in the court's judgments," Streeting stated. "If people think the courts have got it wrong, they can bring forward their evidence. They can test it and challenge it in the usual way. But it's absolutely not for me to comment."
Netflix Documentary Release and Campaign Movement
The Health Secretary's remarks coincide with the release of The Investigation Of Lucy Letby on Netflix, which features new footage and interviews with police, lawyers, and family members involved in the prosecution. The documentary includes dramatic police footage of Letby's arrests and a prison letter where she writes about remaining strong and determined.
Meanwhile, a group of campaigners continues to support Letby, having submitted reports to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in an attempt to overturn her convictions. Letby was twice denied permission to appeal against her convictions in 2024.
Case Background and Ongoing Developments
Lucy Letby, 36, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders at HMP Bronzefield after being convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016. She was removed from clinical duties in July 2016 after consultant paediatricians raised concerns about possible deliberate harm to babies.
The documentary features emotional testimony from family members, including the mother of one baby (given the pseudonym Zoe) who described her daughter as "so fragile, small and precious" and expressed ongoing anger and confusion about what happened.
Medical Perspectives and Judicial Inquiry
Consultant Dr John Gibbs, who worked as a paediatrician at the Countess of Chester Hospital, acknowledged in the documentary that there was a "kernel of truth" in defence findings about hospital understaffing, though he noted this was an ongoing NHS issue rather than case-specific. He revealed living with guilt about whether the hospital let babies down and expressed tiny doubts about whether the right person was convicted, while maintaining he doesn't believe there was a miscarriage of justice.
Mark McDonald, a barrister acting for Letby, highlighted in the documentary that "no one saw her do anything wrong" and suggested the case follows a pattern of convictions that have sometimes been found to be miscarriages of justice.
Lady Justice Thirlwall's inquiry report into how Letby was able to commit her crimes on a hospital neonatal unit is due to be published this year, adding another layer to this complex and emotionally charged case that continues to generate significant public and media attention.
