On 2nd March I started my journey with Crowd justice, a crowdfunding platform built specifically for legal redress. This was to help secure an Inquest into the circumstances of David's death by taking legal action. www.crowdjustice.co.uk/case/david-clapson/ Alongside an excellent team of lawyers, I am working to secure a full and public investigation into the sanctions placed on my brother in order to ensure a fairer system in the way the government treats vulnerable benefits claimants. Please see Leigh Day’s webpage: https://www.leighday.co.uk/News/News-2016/March-2016/David-Clapson-call-for Missed appointments, lateness and many of the other reasons for sanctions being imposed are not criminal offences, and yet are met with much severe and harsher punishments. By taking this course of action I am hoping to show that the Governments actions (on sanctions) can and do end up with serious consequences. The legal redress is aimed to help secure an Independent Inquiry to ensure lessons are not just learnt, but are acted upon to prevent more needless suffering. ___________________________________________________ National demonstration 16th April 1pm This Saturday there is a national demonstration for HEALTH, HOMES, JOBS & EDUCATION in London for anyone who would like to attend. http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/hhje We will be marching from Gower Street to Trafalgar Square carrying the quilted banner with the names of people believed to have died while on sanctions that we know of. ___________________________________________________ Report on Sanctions from Dr Webster I would like to share some findings and comments with you from Dr Webster (University of Glasgow) who spoke at the 2015 Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry, which proposed 26 recommendations. Dr Webster pointed out the loss of income that sanctions can lead to is higher than the fines the Magistrates Courts can impose. He stated that “Claimants are treated worse than offenders.” See here for full details: http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/work-and-pensions-committee/benefit-sanctions-policy-beyond-the-oakley-review/written/16442.html ___________________________________________________ I have just told David’s story, but it is YOU that have and continue to make the difference, without your kindness and support we would have never got this far. Together we can help make a difference. NO MORE DEATHS. NO MORE SUFFERING. My heartfelt gratitude once again, and will keep you updated. thanks Gill