The Litvinenko Inquiry

The Litvinenko Inquiry, chaired by Sir Robert Owen, examined the death of Alexander Litvinenko in November 2006 from polonium-210 poisoning. The inquiry concluded in January 2016 with five recommendations, all of which the government stated it accepted.

The inquiry's recommendations focused on pursuing those responsible for Litvinenko's death and diplomatic responses to Russia. According to the Home Secretary's statement to Parliament on 21 January 2016, immediate actions were taken including asset freezes against Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitri Kovtun, the two individuals identified as responsible. The Metropolitan Police investigation remains open, with Interpol Red Notices and European Arrest Warrants in place for the suspects.

The government's response included diplomatic measures, with the Russian Ambassador summoned to express 'profound displeasure at Russia's failure to co-operate.' The Home Secretary wrote to EU, NATO, and Five Eyes partners about the inquiry's findings. She also requested the Director of Public Prosecutions review options for extradition and freezing criminal assets, though the government acknowledged extradition remains impossible while Russia refuses cooperation.

One recommendation remains opaque - the classified recommendation which the Home Secretary stated she could not reveal details of in her parliamentary statement. No public evidence exists regarding the nature of this recommendation or what action, if any, was taken.

The most recent documented development came in September 2021 when the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Russia was responsible for Litvinenko's death and ordered damages to his widow. The sanctions and arrest warrants implemented in 2016 remain in place according to the available evidence, though the primary objective of bringing the suspects to justice has not been achieved due to Russia's non-cooperation.