Four London boroughs are disputing an anticipated £4m coroner's bill to investigate the death of ex-KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, arguing the Ministry of Justice should cover the costs.

Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets LBCs have jointly appealed to justice secretary, Ken Clarke, seeking financial help for the upcoming inquest, the estimated costs of which already outstrip the £2.9m paid by the Government to cover the inquest into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.