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Coroner Questions Foreign Office Absence in Lawyer's Death Inquest

3/6/2026

34 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The coroner Sebastian Naughton expressed confusion at the absence of Foreign Office representatives at the inquest into British lawyer Simone White's death on November 21, 2024.
White, 28, from Orpington, died after methanol-laced drinks in Laos.
Laos criminal proceedings may hinder the inquest.
White's stepfather, Neil White, attended via video link.
A pre-inquest review is scheduled for April or May 2026.

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Story summary

The coroner Sebastian Naughton expressed confusion at the absence of Foreign Office representatives at the inquest into British lawyer Simone White's death on November 21, 2024.
White, 28, from Orpington, died after methanol-laced drinks in Laos.
Laos criminal proceedings may hinder the inquest.
White's stepfather, Neil White, attended via video link.
A pre-inquest review is scheduled for April or May 2026.