Senior judge backs calls for Litvinenko public inquiry Lord Justice Goldring, along with two other High Court judges, was ruling on a technical issue surrounding a legal battle between the coroner and the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, over what evidence can be kept secret. He said if the Foreign Secretary succeeded in keeping more details private then the "coroner's reasoning for the need of a public inquiry would be strengthened." He added: "Although certainly not a matter for me, it does seem there is much to be said for having a public inquiry." Sir Robert has previously granted an application by Mr Hague to make some evidence subject to so-called public interest immunity, meaning it is kept secret and cannot be considered by the coroner even in private. However, it includes evidence relating to whether the Russian authorities were involved in Mr Litvinenko's death, as alleged by his widow and others. As a result, Sir Robert has said he cannot hold a full and fair investigation into the death and wrote to the Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling, to ask for a public inquiry instead. A public inquiry has additional powers meaning secret evidence could be considered albeit behind closed doors. Neil Garnham QC, representing the Government, told the High Court it was "highly likely" that a decision would be made before July 3, when the next preliminary inquest hearing is due. It emerged today that in his letter to Mr Grayling asking for a public inquiry, Sir Robert offered to chair any such inquiry to ensure continuity. He added: "For the avoidance of doubt, I should say that I regard investigation of the "preventability" and "Russian State responsibility" issues as being of central importance to this case."