TWO sisters of men who starved to death after having their benefits slashed united for a desperate plea to find out why their brothers died.

Cathie Wood and Gill Thompson – sisters to Mark Wood and David Clapson respectively – spoke out against the “austerity war” at a meeting in Witney.

They begged an audience of about 40 people to “keep the pressure up” for a public inquiry into the deaths.

Mark Wood, from Bampton, died in February weighing just over five-and-a-half stone.

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An assessment by Atos, for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), said he was fit to work and his disability benefit was cut.

Ms Wood said the family were expecting a full report on it.

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Mark Wood.

The North Oxford resident said: “For the Government it’s about looking after the rich. In their eyes people like Mark don’t deserve to live any more.”

She told Thursday’s meeting: “You have the privilege – or shame – of living in David Cameron’s constituency. We need you to write to your MPs and ask them to be honest about what happened to our brothers and have a public inquiry.

“There are probably thousands of others out there in the same situation. This is a war against the vulnerable, it’s an austerity war.”

Diabetic David Clapson, from Stevenage, died in July 2013 after his benefits were ‘sanctioned’ (suspended). Without electricity he could not refridgerate his insulin.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood, who has been involved in Mr Wood’s case, said: “I have nothing but sympathy for Mark Wood’s family and have been doing everything in my power to press their case with Government.

“This includes speaking personally to Mark Harper, the minister responsible, on numerous occasions to complain about the length of time it has taken the DWP to finalise the report into his death.

“I have been assured that I will receive the findings of the report within the week.”

DWP spokesman Josh Coe said: “After receiving new evidence from Mark Wood’s GP, which was not presented at the first Atos assessment, we revised the original decision with an internal review being carried out.”

He said the results were sent to Ms Blackwood on Thursday.

Mr Coe added there was a well-established system to provide for claimants with limited resources.

Speaking about Mr Clapson, he said: “Sanctions are used in a small minority of cases and decisions aren’t taken lightly... Mr Clapson did not appeal, ask for a reconsideration or apply for a hardship payment.”

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