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New Statesman
09-07-2025
- Business
- New Statesman
A Lords' last supper for hereditary peers
Stephen Parkinson, Baron Parkinson of Whitley Bay. Photo by the House of Lords Tears and tax talk in the Commons overshadowed class war at the other end of parliament, where an entitled Tory toffocracy in the Lords is about to play ping-pong with MPs. Peers frustrating government proposals to improve job rights are fighting to the last glass of port to save 92 hereditaries from the political guillotine. The grand Cholmondeley Room was booked for around £20,000, as one snout estimated, to feed and water revolting aristos and keep them on the premises ahead of a crucial division. It worked. The will of the refreshed 249 peers backing Tory-wannabe-Lords-leader Stephen Parkinson's amendment – 37 more than outgunned Labour could muster – will be overturned in the Commons, but the vote revealed self-interest is alive and kicking in Britain's stately homes. A stranger to decisiveness when heading Labour, Jeremy Corbyn may or may not be about to co-lead the founding of a new party with whippersnapper Zarah Sultana. The project's certainly stirring up a frenzy among those on the left still mourning the end of his reign. Comrades loyal to the party that booted him out and suspended Sultana, however, are less enamoured. The independent MP for Islington North might once have been 'Magic Grandpa', but that isn't his only nickname: among Labour MPs, Corbyn is known as 'the Iranian ambassador'. No prizes for guessing why. JD Vance fanboy David Lammy may prove to be the chief beneficiary of the lachrymose Chancellor of the Exchequer extracting a vote of confidence from Keir Starmer. Rachel Reeves would, if moved, be transferred to the Foreign Office, whispered a snout. She doesn't appear to be going anywhere at the moment. The sluggish economy is in a similar position, alas. Most ministers, including those concerned for their own posts, still expect Reeves to be out of the Treasury before the election after doing the tax-raising heavy lifting, enabling a fresh face to sell change and renewed optimism to punters. The first female Chancellor would be entitled to grimace should a man come in to reap the rewards of her dirty work. Wes Streeting's ten-year NHS plan includes expanding access to weight-loss services, including 'fat jabs', which patients could access in shopping centres. The Health Secretary told LBC the treatment was the 'talk of the House of Commons tea rooms', revealing 'half my colleagues are on them and are judging the rest of us saying: 'You lot should be on them.'' He's not wrong. One waspish (and notably svelte) Spad mused: 'I'm surprised Wes isn't on Ozempic himself – he's vain enough.' Who'd have the stomach for another internal Labour beef, eh? Speaking at an event about the return of class to British politics, Blue Labour godfather Maurice Glasman fulminated against what he labels the 'lanyard class' of progressive do-nothings who work from home and dictate how we should think and live. The audience, gathered in a university lecture hall, anxiously toyed with the lanyards around their necks. Some even mournfully removed their passes. They relaxed a little, though, when it turned out the Labour peer had one himself, his House of Lords ID card. Glasman is a paid member of the very class he derides. He isn't an MP,but Andy Burnham continues to feature in many Westminster conversations. One Labour MP muttered that the more viewers see of the telegenic Greater Manchester Mayor on the box, the worse it is for monotone Starmer. A special adviser took issue with the King of the North moniker applied to Burnham, pointing out he isn't even King of the North-West when ex-brickie Steve Rotheram is rebuilding the Liverpool city region. Comrades wondered how a politician regularly accused of flip-flopping would handle the age old Devon-Cornwall rift over whether to put jam or cream on a scone first, after a cabinet minister declared south-west England would benefit from a Burnham-like champion. Andy, opined a sceptic, would endorse neither because the professional northerner would prefer gravy on his scones. There are plenty of Oasis fans in the cabinet. Streeting and Lucy Powell both sang karaoke classics by the band at last year's Labour conference. But is Starmer among them? The Prime Minister curiously omitted Oasis when he recently tweeted about Manchester's musical greats ('Take That, Joy Division, New Order'). Was it something they said? Quite possibly. Noel Gallagher last year offered a tepid review of Starmer and declared that he would 'vote for Tony Blair in the morning if he was back in the game'. Don't look back in anger, Keir. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Green Party peer Jenny Jones aka Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb raised eyebrows by joining the Tory Lords' rebellion to save the hereditaries, keeping them in the upper house as lifers. The one-time eco warrior is besties with Tory chief whip Susan Williams, social media plastered with photos of the baronesses and their partners. One pic includes a Giants Head Marathon medal, which depicts the Dorset chalk figure and its giant penis. Unintentionally apt when she voted to retain an enlarged chamber. Snout Line: Got a story? Write to tips@ [See also: The insurgent left] Related
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Killer nurse Lucy Letby could face more charges
The allegations are now being considered by lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after receiving the new evidence from Cheshire Police in recent days. The number and exact nature of the potential new offences has not been made public yet and it could take weeks before a decision is made on whether to charge Letby with more offences. In a statement, a CPS spokesman said: 'We can confirm that we have received a full file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary asking us to consider further allegations in relation to deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital. 'We will now carefully consider the evidence to determine whether any further criminal charges should be brought. Letby was a nurse at Liverpool Women's Hospital (Alamy/PA) 'As always, we will make that decision independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test.' A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: 'We can confirm that Cheshire Constabulary has submitted a full file of evidence to the CPS for charging advice regarding the ongoing investigation into deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women's Hospital as part of Operation Hummingbird.' The Daily Mail has reported consideration of any new charges will involve the Government's most senior lawyers, including Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, and Attorney General Lord Hermer KC. News of potential fresh charges emerged hours after police confirmed three people who were part of the senior leadership team at the hospital where Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Cheshire Constabulary said the suspects, who occupied senior positions at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH) between 2015 and 2016, were arrested on Monday. All three have since been bailed pending further inquiries, the force added. Lady Justice Thirlwall will deliver her findings in early 2026 (Peter Byrne/PA) Letby, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. Police said corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter probes are continuing. Following the arrests, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes said: 'In October 2023 following the lengthy trial and subsequent conviction of Lucy Letby, Cheshire Constabulary launched an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH). 'This focuses on senior leadership and their decision-making to determine whether any criminality has taken place concerning the response to the increased levels of fatalities. 'In March 2025 the scope of the investigation widened to also include gross negligence manslaughter. 'This is a separate offence to corporate manslaughter and focuses on the grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals. 'It is important to note that this does not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder.' A spokeswoman for CoCH reiterated it 'would not be appropriate' for the hospital to comment 'due to the Thirlwall Inquiry and the ongoing police investigations'. The Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester, where Letby worked (PA) Letby's barrister Mark McDonald said the police's latest announcement has come at a 'very sensitive time' and that a proper and full public inquiry into failings by the hospital is needed. He said: 'Yet another press release from the police at a very sensitive time when the CCRC (Criminal Cases Review Commission) are looking at the case of Lucy Letby. 'Despite this, the concerns many have raised will not go away, and we will continue to publicly discuss them. 'The reality is that 26 internationally renowned experts have looked at this case and the lead expert has concluded that no crime was committed, no babies were murdered. 'What is needed is a proper and full public inquiry into the failings of the neonatal and paediatric medical care unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.' On Wednesday, Mr McDonald added: 'We will cross every bridge when we get to it but if Lucy is charged I know we have a whole army of internationally renowned medical experts who will totally undermine the prosecution's unfounded allegations.' Police are continuing a review of deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neonatal units of the Countess of Chester and Liverpool Women's Hospital during Letby's time as a nurse from 2012 to 2016. Letby, who has always maintained her innocence, lost two bids last year to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal for the seven murders and seven attempted murders, and in October for the attempted murder of a baby girl, which she was convicted of by a different jury at a retrial. Lady Justice Thirlwall is due to publish the findings from her public inquiry in early 2026.
Rhyl Journal
02-07-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Killer nurse Lucy Letby could face more charges
The allegations are now being considered by lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after receiving the new evidence from Cheshire Police in recent days. The number and exact nature of the potential new offences has not been made public yet and it could take weeks before a decision is made on whether to charge Letby with more offences. In a statement, a CPS spokesman said: 'We can confirm that we have received a full file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary asking us to consider further allegations in relation to deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital. 'We will now carefully consider the evidence to determine whether any further criminal charges should be brought. 'As always, we will make that decision independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test.' A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: 'We can confirm that Cheshire Constabulary has submitted a full file of evidence to the CPS for charging advice regarding the ongoing investigation into deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women's Hospital as part of Operation Hummingbird.' The Daily Mail has reported consideration of any new charges will involve the Government's most senior lawyers, including Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, and Attorney General Lord Hermer KC. News of potential fresh charges emerged hours after police confirmed three people who were part of the senior leadership team at the hospital where Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Cheshire Constabulary said the suspects, who occupied senior positions at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH) between 2015 and 2016, were arrested on Monday. All three have since been bailed pending further inquiries, the force added. Letby, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. Police said corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter probes are continuing. Following the arrests, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes said: 'In October 2023 following the lengthy trial and subsequent conviction of Lucy Letby, Cheshire Constabulary launched an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH). 'This focuses on senior leadership and their decision-making to determine whether any criminality has taken place concerning the response to the increased levels of fatalities. 'In March 2025 the scope of the investigation widened to also include gross negligence manslaughter. 'This is a separate offence to corporate manslaughter and focuses on the grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals. 'It is important to note that this does not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder.' A spokeswoman for CoCH reiterated it 'would not be appropriate' for the hospital to comment 'due to the Thirlwall Inquiry and the ongoing police investigations'. Letby's barrister Mark McDonald said the police's latest announcement has come at a 'very sensitive time' and that a proper and full public inquiry into failings by the hospital is needed. He said: 'Yet another press release from the police at a very sensitive time when the CCRC (Criminal Cases Review Commission) are looking at the case of Lucy Letby. 'Despite this, the concerns many have raised will not go away, and we will continue to publicly discuss them. 'The reality is that 26 internationally renowned experts have looked at this case and the lead expert has concluded that no crime was committed, no babies were murdered. 'What is needed is a proper and full public inquiry into the failings of the neonatal and paediatric medical care unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.' On Wednesday, Mr McDonald added: 'We will cross every bridge when we get to it but if Lucy is charged I know we have a whole army of internationally renowned medical experts who will totally undermine the prosecution's unfounded allegations.' Police are continuing a review of deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neonatal units of the Countess of Chester and Liverpool Women's Hospital during Letby's time as a nurse from 2012 to 2016. Letby, who has always maintained her innocence, lost two bids last year to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal for the seven murders and seven attempted murders, and in October for the attempted murder of a baby girl, which she was convicted of by a different jury at a retrial. Lady Justice Thirlwall is due to publish the findings from her public inquiry in early 2026.
South Wales Guardian
02-07-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Killer nurse Lucy Letby could face more charges
The allegations are now being considered by lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after receiving the new evidence from Cheshire Police in recent days. The number and exact nature of the potential new offences has not been made public yet and it could take weeks before a decision is made on whether to charge Letby with more offences. In a statement, a CPS spokesman said: 'We can confirm that we have received a full file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary asking us to consider further allegations in relation to deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital. 'We will now carefully consider the evidence to determine whether any further criminal charges should be brought. 'As always, we will make that decision independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test.' A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: 'We can confirm that Cheshire Constabulary has submitted a full file of evidence to the CPS for charging advice regarding the ongoing investigation into deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women's Hospital as part of Operation Hummingbird.' The Daily Mail has reported consideration of any new charges will involve the Government's most senior lawyers, including Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, and Attorney General Lord Hermer KC. News of potential fresh charges emerged hours after police confirmed three people who were part of the senior leadership team at the hospital where Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Cheshire Constabulary said the suspects, who occupied senior positions at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH) between 2015 and 2016, were arrested on Monday. All three have since been bailed pending further inquiries, the force added. Letby, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. Police said corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter probes are continuing. Following the arrests, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes said: 'In October 2023 following the lengthy trial and subsequent conviction of Lucy Letby, Cheshire Constabulary launched an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH). 'This focuses on senior leadership and their decision-making to determine whether any criminality has taken place concerning the response to the increased levels of fatalities. 'In March 2025 the scope of the investigation widened to also include gross negligence manslaughter. 'This is a separate offence to corporate manslaughter and focuses on the grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals. 'It is important to note that this does not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder.' A spokeswoman for CoCH reiterated it 'would not be appropriate' for the hospital to comment 'due to the Thirlwall Inquiry and the ongoing police investigations'. Letby's barrister Mark McDonald said the police's latest announcement has come at a 'very sensitive time' and that a proper and full public inquiry into failings by the hospital is needed. He said: 'Yet another press release from the police at a very sensitive time when the CCRC (Criminal Cases Review Commission) are looking at the case of Lucy Letby. 'Despite this, the concerns many have raised will not go away, and we will continue to publicly discuss them. 'The reality is that 26 internationally renowned experts have looked at this case and the lead expert has concluded that no crime was committed, no babies were murdered. 'What is needed is a proper and full public inquiry into the failings of the neonatal and paediatric medical care unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.' On Wednesday, Mr McDonald added: 'We will cross every bridge when we get to it but if Lucy is charged I know we have a whole army of internationally renowned medical experts who will totally undermine the prosecution's unfounded allegations.' Police are continuing a review of deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neonatal units of the Countess of Chester and Liverpool Women's Hospital during Letby's time as a nurse from 2012 to 2016. Letby, who has always maintained her innocence, lost two bids last year to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal for the seven murders and seven attempted murders, and in October for the attempted murder of a baby girl, which she was convicted of by a different jury at a retrial. Lady Justice Thirlwall is due to publish the findings from her public inquiry in early 2026.
Leader Live
02-07-2025
- Leader Live
Killer nurse Lucy Letby could face more charges
The allegations are now being considered by lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after receiving the new evidence from Cheshire Police in recent days. The number and exact nature of the potential new offences has not been made public yet and it could take weeks before a decision is made on whether to charge Letby with more offences. In a statement, a CPS spokesman said: 'We can confirm that we have received a full file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary asking us to consider further allegations in relation to deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital. 'We will now carefully consider the evidence to determine whether any further criminal charges should be brought. 'As always, we will make that decision independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test.' A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: 'We can confirm that Cheshire Constabulary has submitted a full file of evidence to the CPS for charging advice regarding the ongoing investigation into deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women's Hospital as part of Operation Hummingbird.' The Daily Mail has reported consideration of any new charges will involve the Government's most senior lawyers, including Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, and Attorney General Lord Hermer KC. News of potential fresh charges emerged hours after police confirmed three people who were part of the senior leadership team at the hospital where Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Cheshire Constabulary said the suspects, who occupied senior positions at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH) between 2015 and 2016, were arrested on Monday. All three have since been bailed pending further inquiries, the force added. Letby, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. Police said corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter probes are continuing. Following the arrests, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes said: 'In October 2023 following the lengthy trial and subsequent conviction of Lucy Letby, Cheshire Constabulary launched an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH). 'This focuses on senior leadership and their decision-making to determine whether any criminality has taken place concerning the response to the increased levels of fatalities. 'In March 2025 the scope of the investigation widened to also include gross negligence manslaughter. 'This is a separate offence to corporate manslaughter and focuses on the grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals. 'It is important to note that this does not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder.' A spokeswoman for CoCH reiterated it 'would not be appropriate' for the hospital to comment 'due to the Thirlwall Inquiry and the ongoing police investigations'. Letby's barrister Mark McDonald said the police's latest announcement has come at a 'very sensitive time' and that a proper and full public inquiry into failings by the hospital is needed. He said: 'Yet another press release from the police at a very sensitive time when the CCRC (Criminal Cases Review Commission) are looking at the case of Lucy Letby. 'Despite this, the concerns many have raised will not go away, and we will continue to publicly discuss them. 'The reality is that 26 internationally renowned experts have looked at this case and the lead expert has concluded that no crime was committed, no babies were murdered. 'What is needed is a proper and full public inquiry into the failings of the neonatal and paediatric medical care unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.' On Wednesday, Mr McDonald added: 'We will cross every bridge when we get to it but if Lucy is charged I know we have a whole army of internationally renowned medical experts who will totally undermine the prosecution's unfounded allegations.' Police are continuing a review of deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neonatal units of the Countess of Chester and Liverpool Women's Hospital during Letby's time as a nurse from 2012 to 2016. Letby, who has always maintained her innocence, lost two bids last year to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal for the seven murders and seven attempted murders, and in October for the attempted murder of a baby girl, which she was convicted of by a different jury at a retrial. Lady Justice Thirlwall is due to publish the findings from her public inquiry in early 2026.
