Flintshire politicians join calls for statutory inquiry following sentencing of Lucy Letby

Two Flintshire politicians have joined calls for a statutory inquiry into the events surrounding Lucy Letby’s murders and attacks on newborns at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Letby received a whole-life prison sentence for the murders of seven babies under her care at the hospital, as well as the attempted murders of six others.

The UK government announced an inquiry following Letby’s conviction. However, as it currently stands, it will be non-statutory, operating outside the typical guidelines of public inquiries.

UK government representatives emphasise that a non-statutory inquiry provides more flexibility, allowing for quicker reporting and the incorporation of feedback from the victims’ families.

However, this decision has drawn criticism from families and experts due to its non-statutory nature, meaning there is no obligation for anyone to provide evidence.

Statutory inquiries – such as the Grenfell or Covid Inquiries – operate within a robust legal framework. They have the authority to compel witness statements, demand evidence under oath, and secure the release of pertinent documents. Any failure to comply can result in legal action.

Alyn and Deeside’s Member of the Welsh Parliament, Jack Sargeant MS, stated:

“The Countess of Chester Hospital serves my community. These are cross-border services, so we must speak with unity.”

“Families should be confident that an inquiry can compel witnesses to participate. This demands a swift establishment of a statutory inquiry.”

“A clear duty of candour is essential in all such cases. I urge the UK Government to ensure this is upheld.”

The local MS has championed the Hillsborough Law, proposing a legal duty of candour for public authorities and officials. This law would also grant victims of state-related deaths equal legal representation.

Mr Sargeant continued: “The need for this inquiry to possess statutory powers should be clear to all.”

“Public entities have vast legal resources. This can create a perception of them hiding behind these resources.”

“The solution is a statutory inquiry with the authority to mandate attendance. I’ve always advocated for a law enforcing a duty of candour. Public servants should be legally bound to answer all questions honestly and comprehensively.”

Delyn MP Rob Roberts wrote to Health Secretary Steve Barclay, pushing for a statutory inquiry. He penned: “I strongly demand the Countess of Chester Hospital inquiry be a statutory, judge-led investigation.”

“It would compel witness attendance and give my Delyn constituents, frequent users of the hospital due to our proximity to England, greater confidence in uncovering the truth.”

“Every avenue should be explored to determine what occurred, if prevention was possible, and if others should have acted sooner to limit this terrible individual’s actions.”

Emma Norris from the independent think tank, Institute for Government, emphasised the hurdles of a non-statutory inquiry, especially with grave allegations.

She stated that statutory inquiries have “extensive legal powers, making witness statements, evidence under oath, and relevant documents mandatory.”

“Failure to cooperate can result in legal repercussions. Such powers are crucial when probing potential NHS institutional failures in the Letby case.”

“Without these powers, the inquiry relies on goodwill for evidence and answers that families rightfully demand.”

“Given the grave allegations and potential for disciplinary actions, witnesses, likely with legal counsel, might refuse to cooperate without real legal consequences. Only a comprehensive statutory inquiry can offer this.”

UK Education Secretary Gillian Keegan mentioned that a statutory inquiry is under consideration. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is strongly in favour of it.

Steve Brine, the Conservative chairman of the Health Select Committee, and Dame Christine Beasley, former chief nursing officer, both expressed reservations about a non-statutory inquiry.

Dr Stephen Brearey, the whistleblower of Letby’s dubious activities in 2015, stated that the victims’ parents “merit” a robust inquiry.

Legal teams for Letby’s victims also advocate for a statutory format, deeming a non-statutory inquiry as “insufficient”.