Inquiry into Lucy Letby's crimes to be a statutory inquiry with power to summon witnesses

As soon as the Lucy Letby trial was concluded, the government announced a public inquiry, to proceed at pace. There was some concern about whether this should be a statutory inquiry, and I welcome the latest news that the government has listened to those concerns and announced today that the Lucy Letby inquiry will be statutory, giving it more legal powers to allow a thorough investigation and give families the answers they need.

• The crimes committed by Lucy Letby are truly harrowing and our thoughts remain with the families of her victims – who we have consulted with as we shape the nature of the inquiry into her crimes.
• That is why the government has launched an independent statutory inquiry into the murders and attempted murders committed at Countess of Chester hospital, giving the inquiry legal powers to compel witnesses and meaning the evidence must be heard in public.
• This statutory public inquiry will aim to give the families the answers they need and ensure lessons are learned following this tragic case.