We are compelled to respond to a recent open letter questioning the conviction of Lucy Letby.
This letter, signed by an anonymous group of nurses, is nothing short of an attempt to undermine justice fueled by racial privilege that Black nurses in the NHS can only dream of. The refusal of these individuals to publicly stand by their claims speaks volumes about the lack of substance behind their arguments.
Let us be clear: Letby is guilty, and the rush to defend her reeks of the kind of white exceptionalism that continues to poison UK healthcare.
Lucy Letby is Guilty: Accept It
Letby was convicted after an exhaustive legal process. The evidence was clear, the trial was fair, and the verdict was just. Yet, here we are, watching as an anonymous group tries to cast doubt on her guilt, not based on new evidence, but on a desire to protect one of their own.
This is not about justice; it’s about the deep-seated belief that a white woman couldn’t possibly be guilty of such heinous crimes. This kind of denial is dangerous, and it’s something that Black nurses face every day when they are judged more harshly, disciplined more quickly, and supported far less than their white colleagues.
The Reality of Being a Black Nurse:
No Sympathy, No Second Chances
Let’s talk about what happens when a Black nurse is accused of wrongdoing. There are no anonymous letters calling for a review, sympathetic headlines, or public outcry. Instead, there’s immediate suspicion, swift punishment, and often career-ending consequences.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Independent Culture Review (July 2024) lays bare the brutal reality: Black nurses are more likely to be disciplined, more likely to face hostile work environments, and less likely to receive support when they need it most.
While Letby’s defenders hide behind anonymity, Black nurses are left exposed, vulnerable, and without the luxury of such protection. The system is rigged against us, and the difference in treatment is a glaring example of the racism that infects every corner of the NHS.
The Cowardice of Anonymity and Privilege of Denial
These nurses who signed the letter won’t even put their names to their claims. Why? Because they know, deep down, that what they’re defending is indefensible. They are protecting a system that shields white nurses from the consequences of their actions while ruthlessly punishing Black nurses for far less.
This isn’t about justice; it’s about preserving a racial hierarchy that keeps Black nurses at the bottom and white nurses like Letby safely insulated from accountability.
End the Hypocrisy, Deliver Real Justice
We are done with the hypocrisy.
It’s time to face the ugly truth, racial bias is driving the defence of Letby. The same energy spent defending her should be spent supporting Black nurses who are disproportionately targeted by a system that was never designed to protect them.
The NMC’s culture of racism and discrimination needs to be dismantled now. We demand real action, not empty promises. Black nurses deserve the same respect, support, and fairness that their white counterparts take for granted.
The conviction of Letby was lawful and just. We will not stand by while a small group tries to rewrite the narrative because they cannot accept that a white nurse is capable of such crimes. Justice must be objective, not biased.
No More Excuses
The time for excuses is over. Letby is guilty, and no amount of anonymous letter-writing will change that. We are calling out the double standards, the racism, and the privilege that allows some to question a fair verdict while Black nurses are left to fend for themselves in a hostile system.
We demand justice, we demand equality, and we demand an end to the racial disparities that continue to plague our healthcare system.
Trigger Warning & Support
We understand that the topics discussed in this article, including the questioning of Lucy Letby's conviction and the broader issues of racial inequality, may be distressing or triggering. This is especially true for the families affected by the tragic events, healthcare professionals, or anyone who has experienced racial discrimination in the workplace.
If you or your family have been affected by the open letter, Letby's crimes, or any form of racial injustice within the healthcare system, Equality 4 Black Nurses is here to support you.
Please email us at matron@equality4blacknurses.com, and we will provide the necessary support, resources, and a listening ear. Your experiences are valid; you don't have to navigate this alone.
I agree with your general points about Racism, unfairness, the validity of the Letby verdict (knowing people working at CoC). It’s also wrong for people to hide behind anonymity - though can we be certain of all their motives?
But as in the Dr Bawa-Garba Case - where Racism was likely also a factor, unsafe NHS workplaces make many things possible. IMO there’s no simple answer. Thanks for your work
Former GP