China’s rare-earth export curbs strain magnet makers despite geopolitical leverage
China’s export restrictions on rare earths have bolstered its geopolitical hand but triggered steep losses and production cuts for its magnet manufa...
Fresh medical evidence could challenge one of Britain’s most shocking criminal cases as lawyers seek to overturn Lucy Letby’s convictions. With growing scrutiny over the trial’s key findings, the case has sparked debate among experts and the public, raising questions about the safety of the verdict.
A lawyer representing nurse Lucy Letby has announced that he will submit new evidence to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) on Thursday, arguing that it challenges the case against her. Letby, who was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder eight others while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016, is serving a whole-life sentence.
Despite maintaining her innocence, Letby, 35, was denied permission to appeal her convictions. However, her case has gained significant attention, with medical experts, journalists, and supporters questioning the prosecution's evidence and suggesting there is no proof that the babies were murdered.
Her lawyer, Mark McDonald, stated on Wednesday that he would present an 86-page report compiled by leading medical specialists to the CCRC. The report reportedly raises serious concerns over key findings in the trial, particularly regarding two of the infants, referred to as Babies F and L.
The prosecution had argued that these babies were poisoned with insulin, a central claim in securing Letby’s conviction. McDonald asserted that the new evidence completely undermines this conclusion.
"This is the most extensive international review of neonatal medicine ever conducted, and its findings indicate that Lucy Letby’s convictions are no longer reliable," he said.
The CCRC has confirmed that it is reviewing Letby’s case but has not provided a timeline for a decision. Meanwhile, police investigations into Letby and hospital management remain ongoing, and previous appeals citing flawed evidence have been dismissed. The head of a public inquiry into the case has also ruled out pausing proceedings.
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China has warned Myanmar's Kachin rebels it will block rare-earth imports from their territory unless they halt an offensive on a key junta stronghold, raising fears over the global supply of critical minerals.
China has consolidated its rare-earth sector into two state-owned giants, tightened export quotas, and introduced new supply-chain tracking systems as part of a sweeping push to reinforce its global dominance in critical mineral processing.
Beijing has warned the Trump administration against restoring steep U.S. tariffs next month and signalled it will retaliate against countries that cut China out of supply chains through bilateral deals with Washington.
China’s export restrictions on rare earths have bolstered its geopolitical hand but triggered steep losses and production cuts for its magnet manufacturers, already hit by weak domestic demand and shrinking overseas sales.
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