Novichok poisonings were result of ‘abject Government failure to protect public’, inquiry told

The Novichok poisonings which left one dead, several severely ill and more than 80 people in A&E were a result of an “abject failure” by the UK Government to protect the public, an inquiry has heard.

Counsel acting on behalf of the family of Dawn Sturgess, who died after being exposed to the nerve agent in 2018, criticised the response of both the Government and police – adding: “We’re lucky no more people ended up dead.”

In his closing submissions to the probe, Michael Mansfield KC told the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry the attempted assassinations of Sergei and Yulia Skripal were “preventable” and that Russia had “alarming access” to where former Russian spy Mr Skripal lived.

Jesse Nicholls, also representing Ms Sturgess’s family, said the response to the attacks by Wiltshire Police had caused the family “significant pain” and left “lasting damage”.

Mr Skripal, his daughter Yulia and former police officer Nick Bailey were all poisoned by Novichok in Salisbury in March 2018.

Ms Sturgess, 44, died on July 8 2018 after she was exposed to the nerve agent, which was left in a discarded perfume bottle in nearby Amesbury.

Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, both identified to be Russian military intelligence officers (GRU), have previously denied being the culprits.

Adam Straw KC, who also acts on behalf Ms Sturgess’s family, told the inquiry on Monday that the disposal of the Novichok was an “extremely dangerous act” which was “brought about” by Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin.

Mr Straw said: “We invite you to come to certain conclusions, specifically about Dawn’s death, which include the following: Firstly, the Novichok which killed Dawn was intentionally left in the UK by Petrov and Boshirov on the weekend of March 2-4 2018.

“Secondly, the operation to deposit Novichok in the UK was brought about by other Russian officials, including Mr Putin.

“Thirdly, this was obviously extremely dangerous.

“Fourth, this caused Dawn’s death. And finally, we invite you to conclude that this was an unlawful killing.”

Mr Straw continued: “As far as culpability for Dawn’s death is concerned, that question does not appear to be material.

“The key issue is whether the Novichok itself that killed Dawn was left by Petrov and Boshirov – it doesn’t matter if they left one bottle or two bottles.

“Disposing the bottle of Novichok in the UK, disguised as a perfume bottle in place where it could be recovered, was obviously an extremely dangerous act.”

Mr Straw added: “One person did in fact die, several were seriously ill and a total of 87 members of the public presented to the hospital emergency department as a result of the Novichok.”

Mr Mansfield said the threat to Mr Skripal from Russia was “manifestly obvious”.

He told the inquiry: “We say, in this instance, there has been an abject failure by the United Kingdom Government to protect the United Kingdom public.”

Mr Mansfield added: “There was a public risk, there is a public risk, and it’s interesting in Caroline Sturgess’s (Dawn’s mother’s) statement, one of the points she makes towards the end of it is that, in a sense, they’re fortunate that it was only Dawn.

“Interesting that the family, in their generous spirit, recognise that we’re all lucky – and that’s the phrase, we’re lucky no more people ended up dead.”

Mr Mansfield continued: “We say, the risk of a threat of this kind – that is, an attack on somebody such as Sergei Skripal as a target – was manifestly obvious.

“You don’t have to be working in specialist areas or departments or even, as they say sometimes, a rocket scientist, to work this one out.

“The point about the risk of an attack on the target… is the collateral, huge collateral risk to the public.”

He added: “The final related proposition is this, and I’ve hinted at it, namely: what was done about this? And we say, nothing.

“We say nothing because of the absence of any basic obvious precautions that could have been taken.

“These are not precautions that are difficult to discern.”

Mr Nicholls said Ms Sturgess’s family felt the response to the poisonings by Wiltshire Police was “severely inadequate”.

He said: “Aspects of the response failed the family badly – causing them significant pain and leaving lasting damage.

“The family feel equally strongly that these failures should be recognised.”

Mr Nicholls continued: “The response of Wiltshire Police was severely inadequate.

“The family have listened to the evidence and they consider that the police response was blighted by arrogance, stereotyping and a lack of professionalism.

“Multiple Wiltshire Police officers dismissed the clear and correct assessment from qualified paramedics who identified that Charlie was suffering from nerve agent poisoning.

“In acting in that way, they put other first responders and the public at grave risk – and their actions could have cost Dawn and Charlie their lives.

“Officers’ failings were then compounded by a serious failure to provide Dawn’s doctors with accurate information.

“The police response has caused unjustified and lasting damage to Dawn, her reputation, and to her family.”

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: "I would like to start by further emphasising that our collective condolences at Wiltshire Police remain with Dawn’s family and friends. I have no doubt that the evidence presented during the last six weeks of hearings will have been incredibly painful for them to relive.

"Today, her family have clearly set out their disappointments with the initial police response to Dawn and Charlie falling unwell.

"In particular, the family raised their concerns about Dawn wrongly being described in police documents as a known drug user.

"This should never have happened.

"It is crucial, in terms of constantly improving the service our communities receive, that we ensure we are actively learning from each incident we attend.

"From the outset we made it clear that Wiltshire Police is fully committed to learning any further lessons arising throughout this process. This is in addition to the learning already captured in a national process run by the College of Policing.

"During each day of the hearings, our teams have captured every opportunity for future learning or development so this can be translated, as necessary, into swift improvements to the policing service and response our communities receive.

"We will continue to identify any changes or improvements we may need to make and this, of course, includes any recommendations which might form part of the Chair’s summary report.

"I would also like to use this opportunity to recognise the significant consequences the poisonings have had on Sergei and Yulia Skripal, former Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey and Dawn’s partner Charlie Rowley.

"Additionally, it is also important for me to acknowledge the impact these events had on all those who responded to them and our communities in Salisbury and Amesbury.

"The actions that all first responders took in the first few minutes, hours, days, weeks and months of the two incidents have been rightly scrutinised by the Inquiry.

"We have actively listened to the testimonies of our partner agencies to identify ways of continuing to strengthen our local relationships and partnerships. Some of the evidence illustrated the criticality of ensuring these relationships are constantly developed for us all to help best protect the public.

"It is crucial that we remain open to constantly developing our approach to those incidents which pose the most significant threats to the safety of the public.

"I remain resolute in sharing the improvements we are making to our service with our communities. Additionally, I would always encourage anyone who would like to contribute ideas or shape how we can continue to develop our service, to consider joining one of our Independent Advisory Groups.

"Finally, I appreciate some in our communities might have further questions or concerns following the open section of the Inquiry. I would encourage you all to continue to engage with your Neighbourhood Policing Teams who are there to support you in any way they can."

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