On February 5, 2025, the front pages of Britain’s leading newspapers were dominated by a dramatic twist in the case of Lucy Letby, the former nurse convicted of murdering seven babies. A newly assembled panel of medical experts, led by Canadian neonatologist Dr. Shoo Lee, concluded that there was no medical evidence to support the claims that Letby had committed murder. Their findings challenge the testimony of Dr. Dewi Evans, whose evidence was pivotal in securing Letby’s conviction in 2023.
The Daily Telegraph led with a striking headline: “Letby Did Not Kill a Single Baby, Say Experts”, making the strongest case yet for a potential miscarriage of justice. The Financial Times, however, shifted focus to international affairs, with its main headline covering China’s strategic revival of antitrust probes against U.S. tech giants to gain leverage in upcoming negotiations with the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail took a different approach, featuring an emotional response from the family of one of Letby’s alleged victims: “Distraught Mother Hits Out at ‘Disrespectful’ Campaign to Free Letby.” This stark contrast in coverage highlighted the deep divisions in public opinion.
The Times opted for a more visual approach, showcasing a gallery of key images capturing the day’s major events. In contrast, the Guardian prioritized political turmoil within the Labour Party, leading with “Labour MPs Tell Starmer to Get Tougher on Immigration.”
At the heart of the media storm, the BBC News homepage featured a balanced mix of coverage, reporting both on the expert panel’s findings in the Letby case and broader international developments.
With Letby’s case now under review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, the British press remains divided. Some newspapers question the original conviction, while others focus on the emotional toll on families. As the case unfolds, the nation watches closely, waiting to see whether justice has truly been served—or if a grave mistake has been made.
