A public inquiry will be held following the death of Dawn Sturgess, who was unwittingly poisoned by Novichok in 2018. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has granted permission for 44-year-old Ms Sturgess’s inquest to be converted into a public inquiry to better examine any possible Russian involvement, amid allegations she died as an indirect result of Kremlin-sponsored poisoning. In her letter to the coroner Baroness Heather Hallett, Ms Patel said: “I hope this inquiry will bring comfort to (Ms Sturgess’s family and others affected) through a greater understanding of the circumstances of Ms Sturgess’ death and recognise the bravery and resilience of those who responded.” The inquiry would be likely to be held in both Salisbury Guildhall and at venues in London, and be established “as soon as is reasonably possible in 2022”, Ms Patel said. Lady Hallett, who will chair the inquiry, said: “I am anxious to ensure that …