Peter Hitchens challenges Cheshire Constabulary over Freedom of Information request concerning Lucy Letby trial briefings in the United Kingdom

Columnist Peter Hitchens has found himself in a tense clash with Cheshire Constabulary after submitting a Freedom of Information (FOI) request about the handling of the Lucy Letby case.

What started as a simple inquiry about police briefings has escalated into a public debate over transparency, press freedom, and the role of oversight in law enforcement.

Hitchens reports that the force labeled his request “vexatious,” claiming it was intended to harass staff and attack the organization.

According to the police, the inquiry caused distress for officers involved and seemed to target individuals linked to the pre-verdict briefings of the trial.

ICO Steps In

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has now publicly reprimanded Cheshire Police for their overreaction.

The regulator emphasized that public scrutiny is a fundamental aspect of the Freedom of Information Act and that Cheshire Constabulary, as a publicly funded authority, should be resilient in the face of critical inquiries.

The ICO noted that Hitchens, with his high-profile platform, may have focused on the case for reasons beyond personal grievance, including genuine concern about the investigation and trial.

While the police expressed shock and accused Hitchens of bad faith, the ICO reminded them that transparency is not a threat—it is part of the democratic process.

Focus of the FOI Request

Hitchens’ FOI request centered on transcripts or recordings of police briefings given to select media outlets before and during the Letby trial.

He disapproves of these briefings, not only for their selective nature but also because the content remains undisclosed even after the trial concluded.

The police’s sensitivity stands in contrast to their willingness to publicize certain activities.

For instance, in August 2024, four officers attended a conference in Washington DC organized by the International Homicide Investigators’ Association (IHIA).

The event featured sessions titled “Operation Hummingbird – UK Nurse Serial Killer Investigation,” covering strategic management of the case, media, and stakeholders.

Hitchens has asked for details about costs, attendees, and content but has received no responses.

The Bigger Picture

The dispute highlights tensions between press freedom, public accountability, and law enforcement’s desire to control its narrative.

Hitchens argues that journalists should be able to ask probing questions about public bodies without facing accusations of harassment.

While the police have insisted that they will review the ICO decision, no further comment has been offered.

Meanwhile, Hitchens suggests that the ruling will soon be fully accessible on the ICO website, allowing the public to read the official guidance on handling such requests.

What’s Next?

The FOI battle may continue as Hitchens considers additional requests related to the Letby case, including more details about the Washington conference and other media briefings.

Observers will be watching closely to see how Cheshire Constabulary responds and whether the ICO’s guidance will push them toward greater transparency in future high-profile investigations.

Summary

Peter Hitchens clashed with Cheshire Constabulary over an FOI request regarding police briefings in the Lucy Letby trial.

The police accused him of harassment and a vexatious campaign, but the Information Commissioner’s Office ruled that such scrutiny is legitimate and essential.

The dispute sheds light on tensions between transparency, press freedom, and law enforcement in the UK.

Hitchens continues to push for access to briefing transcripts and conference details, signaling ongoing scrutiny of the force’s handling of sensitive cases.