Alex Kennedy, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs, at Rethink Mental Illness responds to today's High Court ruling where the family of Jodey Whiting lost an appeal for a new inquest to examine the role of the Department for Work and Pensions in her death:

“This ruling is terrible news for Jodey’s family, who have fought so hard to get justice on her behalf. Jodey, who lived with serious long-term physical and mental health issues, was desperately let down by the DWP but this heart-breaking case is far from unique. Recent figures revealed that in the past three years there have been 124 internal investigations by DWP into cases of death or serious harm. The lack of transparency and accountability is inexcusable.

“At a time when millions of people rely on support from benefits, this should be a national scandal. Our Stop Benefit Deaths campaign is calling for a public inquiry to give families the answers they deserve, and to prevent others from being failed by a system which is supposed to support them.”

You can find further information about our Stop Benefit Deaths campaign here.