The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry

Completed

Dawn Sturgess Inquiry

Chair Lord Hughes of Ombersley Judge / Judiciary
Established 01 Jan 2022
Final Report 04 Dec 2025
Commissioned by Cabinet Office Commissioned by the Prime Minister

Public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died in July 2018 after being exposed to the nerve agent Novichok in Amesbury, Wiltshire. The poisoning was linked to the attempted assassination of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in nearby Salisbury.

3 years, 11 months Duration
£3.7m Total Cost
Report published December 2025 with no formal recommendations. The inquiry chair concluded that making recommendations was not within the inquiry's remit. Family and campaigners criticised this decision.
Final Report Published 04 Dec 2025

Report published December 2025 with no formal recommendations. The inquiry chair concluded that making recommendations was not within the inquiry's remit. Family and campaigners criticised this decision.

18 Nov 2021
Inquiry Announced

Home Secretary Priti Patel announced a statutory inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess.

17 Mar 2022
Chair Appointed

Lord Hughes of Ombersley appointed as Chair of the Inquiry.

01 Mar 2023
Preliminary Hearings

Preliminary hearings held to determine scope and procedures.

14 Oct 2024
Public Hearings Begin

Public hearings commenced in Salisbury examining circumstances of the novichok poisoning.

Source
02 Dec 2024
Hearings Conclude

Public hearings concluded after evidence in Salisbury and London.

04 Dec 2025
Final Report Published

Inquiry report published, concluding Putin bears "moral responsibility" for Dawn Sturgess's death.

Source