MI5 and MI6 files on ‘poisoning’ stay secret

DOCUMENTS from MI5 and MI6 relating to a Russian businessman will not be made public at his inquest after a coroner ruled they would not help him to determine how the millionaire died.

The sensitive “material”, which could reveal whether Alexander Perepilichnyy was working with British

spies before he died in mysterious circumstances, will remain secret.

The 44-year-old collapsed while jogging near his mansion in Weybridge, Surrey, in November 2012. A Surrey Police investigation later found he died of natural causes but critics have called for a full public inquiry to establish whether he was poisoned.

Lawyers acting for life insurers Legal

and General told the Old Bailey the businessman could have been “rubbed out” if he was working for British spies and that evidence of any links to UK intelligence services could show he was in “special danger”.

Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, lodged a secrecy application at the inquest, citing national security concerns.

The inquest continues on Friday.