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Emergency talks on ex-spy's death Date set for Litvinenko's inquest
(10 minutes later)
Emergency talks are being held by ministers into the latest developments surrounding the death of ex-Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. The inquest into the death of the Russian former spy Alexander Litvinenko is to be held on Thursday in London.
The former agent's death is linked to radioactive polonium-210 found in his body. An inquest will open on Thursday. Home Secretary John Reid is to chair a committee meeting on Monday to examine the public risk after traces of radiation were found in London. The hearing will be opened and then adjourned at St Pancras Coroner's Court in, said a Camden Council spokesman.
Conservatives are calling for a Commons statement on the death. The 43-year-old's death last week has been linked to the discovery of radioactive polonium-210 in his body.
But BBC political correspondent Sean Curran said that was unlikely, given the continuing police investigation and the tense diplomatic relations between the UK and Russia in recent years. Emergency talks are being held by ministers to assess the public risk after traces of radiation were found at two London venues visited by him.
Home Secretary John Reid is chairing Tuesday's meeting of the so-called "Cobra committee", which brings together ministers, officials and experts to discuss matters of urgency.
HPA ADVICE Anyone at Itsu or the Pine Bar on 1 November should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647They will be asked a series of questions and may then be asked to take a urine test Timeline of case in fullHPA ADVICE Anyone at Itsu or the Pine Bar on 1 November should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647They will be asked a series of questions and may then be asked to take a urine test Timeline of case in full
The committee has met several times since the death of Mr Litvinenko, 43, who became a British citizen after coming to live in the UK.
But the Conservatives are expected to call for a Commons statement on the death.
BBC political correspondent Sean Curran said that was unlikely, given the continuing police investigation and the tense diplomatic relations between the UK and Russia in recent years.
On Sunday Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said "murky murders" cast a shadow over Russian President Putin's achievements.On Sunday Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said "murky murders" cast a shadow over Russian President Putin's achievements.
Risks
Mr Litvinenko was a critic of Russia President Vladimir Putin, but the Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed allegations of involvement in the poisoning as "sheer nonsense".Mr Litvinenko was a critic of Russia President Vladimir Putin, but the Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed allegations of involvement in the poisoning as "sheer nonsense".
The 'Cobra committee' meeting will bring together ministers, officials and experts to discuss matters of urgency. There are health risks associated with conducting the post mortem and the Camden Council spokesman said Mr Reid would consult police and Mr Litvinenko's family before seeking Health Protection Agency (HPA) advice.
Mr Reid chaired a meeting soon after the death of Mr Litvinenko, 43, who became a British citizen after coming to live in the UK. Thursday's hearing is expected to be short. The coroner will receive evidence confirming Mr Litvinenko's identity and confirm if the post mortem has been conducted.
Home Office Minister Tony McNulty led the discussions over the weekend.
HAVE YOUR SAY Why did it take so long to establish that Mr Litvinenko was poisoned with a radioactive substance? Amanda, London Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY Why did it take so long to establish that Mr Litvinenko was poisoned with a radioactive substance? Amanda, London Send us your comments
A post-mortem examination has been delayed while an assessment is made of any special precautions necessary.
Mr Litvinenko had been investigating the murder of a prominent Russian journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, before he fell fatally ill.Mr Litvinenko had been investigating the murder of a prominent Russian journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, before he fell fatally ill.
Radioactive traces were found at the Itsu restaurant in Piccadilly and the Millennium Hotel's Pine Bar, both visited by the Russian ex-spy on November 1. Decontamination work has begun.Radioactive traces were found at the Itsu restaurant in Piccadilly and the Millennium Hotel's Pine Bar, both visited by the Russian ex-spy on November 1. Decontamination work has begun.
Results are expected later this week for tests carried out by the Health Protection Agency on urine samples submitted by people who were at those venues on that day.Results are expected later this week for tests carried out by the Health Protection Agency on urine samples submitted by people who were at those venues on that day.
Hundreds of people called the NHS Direct hotline for advice, but the agency said risk to the public of exposure was low.Hundreds of people called the NHS Direct hotline for advice, but the agency said risk to the public of exposure was low.
Camden Council said the inquest will be on Thursday at St Pancras Coroner's Court in north London.