Home Secretary's letter to Baroness Hallett (accessible version)
Published 1 October 2021
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Rt Honourable Baroness Heather Hallett DBE
Fieldfisher
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London
EC4R 3TT
29 September 2021
Dear Baroness Hallett,
Thank you for your letter of 22 September 2021 formally requesting that I establish a public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess.
I want to assure you that I have noted everything that you have said regarding the need to establish a public inquiry, and the strong support from the family of Dawn Sturgess for this approach. I will of course take both fully into consideration.
Like you, I am keen to make progress. As you rightly point out, this is a difficult and complex case with significant national security considerations that are relevant to a number of departments and agencies. My officials and I will continue to work through those complexities at pace and with colleagues across government. Please rest assured that we will make every effort to meet your proposed timetable.
My thoughts remain with Dawn’s family, and all those affected by the horrific events which took place in Salisbury and Amesbury in 2018.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Priti Patel MP