Litvinenko widow calls for poison inquiry

BRITAIN must hold a public inquiry into the Novichok poisonings because Russia will not cooperate with an extradition request, the lawyer for Alexander Litvinenko’s widow has said.

Elena Tsirlina said any move to extradite suspects would provoke a furious reaction from Moscow, which would almost certainly block a request, leaving victims without answers.

Maria Litvinenko’s lawyer said there should be a public inquiry instead to secure justice for Dawn Sturgess, who was killed by the poison, Charlie Rowley, her partner and the Skripal family.

Yesterday it emerged that experts from the international chemical weapons watchdog are to collect further evidence in relation to the crime against Ms Sturgess and Mr Rowley.

The move comes amid reports that the Government is preparing to submit an extradition request to Moscow for two Russian suspects.