The former justice secretary has said Lucy Letby should hear victim statements from the families of the babies she murdered.

The 33-year-old baby killer was convicted of the murder of seven babies – making her the UK’s most prolific ever child serial killer.

But she’s now refusing to attend court tomorrow

Conservative MP Robert Buckland said the sentencing should be played into her cell regardless of her wishes.

Appearing on GB News, he said: “Well, I think sadly, the court hands are tied at the moment. I mean, my suggestion would be to make sure that there was a live link beamed into the cell of the sound and/or send pictures to ensure that Letby has nowhere to hide and in fact has to listen to what the judge is saying about the case. Most importantly, she needs to hear the victim’s personal statements as impact statements that will really bring home I think, to the wider world, the appalling devastating impact of the loss of these innocent children, these innocent babies, have had upon dozens of families.

“And that is why I think the government is right to act. There are a couple of options I hear indeed about proposals for the King’s speech in November. There is a bill currently before Parliament, the victims bill that perhaps could be amended by the government as it goes through the Commons – it is still in the common stages. Legislation takes time, I’ve dealt with a lot of legislation myself and the body through Parliament, but it does take many months. But I’m glad to see the government is taking the necessary action and trying to strike the balance between stopping the compulsion of the defendant from becoming the centrepiece of attention, but making sure that defendants are being made to face the consequences of their appalling crimes.”