Health Secretary Wes Streeting Addresses Lucy Letby Campaign and NHS Reforms
Streeting reaffirms conviction of Lucy Letby as inquiries continue into her case; highlights ongoing reforms within the NHS.
Wes Streeting, the UK's Health Secretary, publicly stated that campaigning on behalf of convicted nurse Lucy Letby is “not the right thing to do.” His remarks come in light of Letby’s conviction for the murders of seven infants and attempts on the lives of seven others while she worked in the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. Letby, 35, from Hereford, is currently serving 15 whole-life sentences, as adjudicated in two trials at Manchester Crown Court.
Letby has faced two unsuccessful appeals regarding her convictions, the first in May 2022 concerning the seven murders and seven attempted murders, followed by another in October regarding the attempted murder of a baby girl, in which a different jury found her guilty during a retrial.
In response to public speculation surrounding Letby's innocence, which has been supported by some legal professionals and parliamentarians, Streeting emphasized the importance of adhering to the legal process rather than pursuing public opinion campaigns.
He stated, "There is a judicial process to follow," indicating that those believing in the possibility of unsafe convictions should focus on legal avenues, considering the emotional toll on the families involved.
Streeting reaffirmed his stance regarding Letby’s conviction, noting, “Until I’m told otherwise by the courts, I continue to stand by the view that there’s been a fair conviction.” This follows recent developments where Letby’s lawyer, Mark McDonald, submitted an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, aiming for a referral of her case back to the court of appeal.
McDonald urged for a pause to the ongoing public inquiry led by Lady Justice Thirlwall, citing new evidence that he claims demonstrates Letby’s convictions to be unsafe.
An international panel of experts recently reported that there was no evidence supporting allegations against Letby.
The findings indicated that the infants’ deteriorations were attributable to “bad medical care” or natural causes, rather than any intentional harm by Letby.
This panel included prominent figures such as Professor Neena Modi, a past president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Senior Conservative MP David Davis has characterized the case as “one of the major injustices of modern times” following the panel's findings.
In a separate discussion, Wes Streeting addressed the future of the National Health Service (NHS) during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
He mentioned that, despite fulfilling a manifesto pledge to deliver an additional two million appointments, there remains significant work ahead for the NHS.
Streeting refuted claims that the prior Conservative government’s policies negatively impacted this figure.
He expressed a proactive stance toward enhancing patient choice and control within the NHS, indicating openness to private investment to assist with reducing waiting lists.
He acknowledged the lessons learned from the costs associated with the previous Labour government’s private finance initiative (PFI) deals, suggesting a careful approach to any future private investment in the healthcare sector.
Letby has faced two unsuccessful appeals regarding her convictions, the first in May 2022 concerning the seven murders and seven attempted murders, followed by another in October regarding the attempted murder of a baby girl, in which a different jury found her guilty during a retrial.
In response to public speculation surrounding Letby's innocence, which has been supported by some legal professionals and parliamentarians, Streeting emphasized the importance of adhering to the legal process rather than pursuing public opinion campaigns.
He stated, "There is a judicial process to follow," indicating that those believing in the possibility of unsafe convictions should focus on legal avenues, considering the emotional toll on the families involved.
Streeting reaffirmed his stance regarding Letby’s conviction, noting, “Until I’m told otherwise by the courts, I continue to stand by the view that there’s been a fair conviction.” This follows recent developments where Letby’s lawyer, Mark McDonald, submitted an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, aiming for a referral of her case back to the court of appeal.
McDonald urged for a pause to the ongoing public inquiry led by Lady Justice Thirlwall, citing new evidence that he claims demonstrates Letby’s convictions to be unsafe.
An international panel of experts recently reported that there was no evidence supporting allegations against Letby.
The findings indicated that the infants’ deteriorations were attributable to “bad medical care” or natural causes, rather than any intentional harm by Letby.
This panel included prominent figures such as Professor Neena Modi, a past president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Senior Conservative MP David Davis has characterized the case as “one of the major injustices of modern times” following the panel's findings.
In a separate discussion, Wes Streeting addressed the future of the National Health Service (NHS) during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
He mentioned that, despite fulfilling a manifesto pledge to deliver an additional two million appointments, there remains significant work ahead for the NHS.
Streeting refuted claims that the prior Conservative government’s policies negatively impacted this figure.
He expressed a proactive stance toward enhancing patient choice and control within the NHS, indicating openness to private investment to assist with reducing waiting lists.
He acknowledged the lessons learned from the costs associated with the previous Labour government’s private finance initiative (PFI) deals, suggesting a careful approach to any future private investment in the healthcare sector.
