Public Inquiry
The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry
Status: Completed
Chair: Lord Hughes of Ombersley
Established: Jan 2022
Report: Dec 2025
Commissioned by: Cabinet Office
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.
Recommendation tracking
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.
Reports & milestones
Reports
No reports listed.
Timeline
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 Heari…
Preliminary hearings held to determine scope and procedures.
14 Oct 2024
Public Hearings B…
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 Publ…
Inquiry report published, concluding Putin bears "moral responsibility" for Dawn Sturgess's death.
· Source
Parliamentary activity
1 debate