Sunak may give Letby investigative powers to force NHS managers to show up

Rishi Sunak said it was important to investigate «as quickly as possible». Photo: Simon Dawson/Number 10 Downing Street

Rishi Sunak is considering granting investigative powers to Lucy Letby to force NHS managers to turn up, it was revealed on Monday.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay on Friday announced an independent investigation into Letby's murder of seven babies. and whether the tragedy could have been avoided.

But the announcement raised fears that NHS managers, whose mistakes fueled the scandal, would elude scrutiny by not showing up.

On Monday, Number 10 said «all options are being considered» after calls from the families of Letby's victims that the investigation should be upgraded to a mandatory investigation that could force people to turn up.

Downing Street said it was considering the possibility of strengthening the powers of the investigation, including the possibility of appointing a judge to lead it. Asked about the government investigation, the source said, “We are actively looking into it. This will obviously require primary legislation, but we are looking at all options.”

Earlier, Mr. Sunak said: «I think it's important for the investigation to make sure families get the answers they need, that we can learn from what happened, that everything is being done transparently and that it will happen as quickly as possible.

«These are the goals we want for the investigation, and we'll make sure it's configured to meet those goals.»

Asked if the government had ruled out a mandatory investigation, Mr. Sunak's spokesman said: “No… we're focused on results. It's the most important thing to make sure families get the answers they need, that lessons can be learned, that it's being done transparently, and that it's happening as quickly as possible.»

A spokesman said the families of Letby's victims would be involved in «determining the scope of the investigation», adding: «We want to give victims the opportunity to express their opinion on the conditions.»

Earlier, Claire Coutinho, the Children's Secretary, argued that an independent investigation launched after Letby's conviction on Friday would be «much faster» than an alternative one.

When asked if it should become a statutory investigation, she replied, “Well, whenever something like this happens, there is always an argument about whether it should be legal or illegal. And both have different benefits.

“With a statutory investigation, that means you can get people to testify. With an illegal investigation, this often happens much faster. I think speed is critical so that parents-to-be across the country can be sure they know measures are in place to make sure this doesn't happen again.»

Sir Keir Starmer, Leader Labour, also demanded that the investigation into Letby's crimes be put on a legal footing, stating: «I'll tell you why — firstly, because the families of the victims want it, and after what they've been through, I think it's a really important consideration.

“Secondly, a legitimate investigation gives you the right to dispose of documents, to order witnesses to speak. Thus, we get the most complete, correct, comprehensive analysis of what went wrong here. I don't think it should delay things. We could do this very quickly.»

Dame Christine Beazley, former chief nurse, warned that witnesses can now «opt out if they want» as she has joined those who are pushing for investigation. needs to be strengthened.