Litvinenko: Timeline of the spy saga that eroded Anglo-Russian diplomacy

The Government ramped up pressure on Russia yesterday by announcing a public inquiry into the poisoning of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko.

Mr Litvinenko's death nearly eight years ago has been a source of diplomatic tension between Whitehall and the Kremlin ever since...

1998:

Alexander Litvinenko joins other former FSB officers to claim in Moscow that they had received orders to kill Boris Berezovsky.

2000:

Litvinenko flees after being jailed for abuse of office.

1 November, 2006:

After years of criticising the Russian leadership from safety in Britain, he meets Dmitri Kovtun and Andrei Lugovoi at a London hotel.

23 November, 2006:

Litvinenko dies in intensive care from radiation poisoning.

May 2007:

The CPS says that Mr Lugovoi should be charged with the murder.

July 2007:

Russia refuses to extradite Mr Lugovoi.

June 2013:

An inquest into the death is delayed as the coroner calls for a public inquiry – a demand rejected by the Government.

February 2014:

The High Court tells Theresa May to reconsider her decision on holding a public inquiry after a legal challenge by Litvinenko’s widow.

17 July, 2014:

Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 shot down in Ukraine.

22 July, 2014:

Theresa May announces public inquiry into the death of Litvinenko – after the Government pushes European nations to ramp up sanctions against the Putin regime over the disaster.