I was recently contacted by a journalist for the Sun newspaper who wanted to speak to me about my Blue Badge campaign after reading the following blog by Vox Political.  I was delighted that my story was taken up by Mike Sivier at one of the leading political blogs, but I was most surprised and conflicted by the subsequent interest of a dubious tabloid title.

After much thought of the pros and cons of associating myself with a Murdoch publication, I wrote the following email to the journalist involved:

Hi,

This is a rather difficult email to write. I do no doubt your journalistic credentials and your ability as a writer for the biggest tabloid in Britain. I would like to thank you for your interest in telling my story and wishing to highlight the issue of disabled parking in council car parks across Britain. The opportunity to have my say in a national newspaper would usually be welcomed, but I possess these annoying things called principles that prevent me from speaking to this particular title.

I do not feel that the newspaper in question is very sympathetic to the struggles of disabled people and your readership most certainly is not. It would therefore seem most unusual for you to support my anti-austerity campaign against a Conservative/Independent council.

Living in North Wales, I enjoy frequent day trips to Liverpool and feel I must show camaraderie with the City’s residents who boycott this newspaper. I will remain silent as a mark of respect to the 96 people who lost their lives at Hillsborough and their families.

Thank you for the opportunity and I hope you can understand and respect my decision. Let me take this chance to wish you all the best in the future.

Nathan Lee Davies
Disabled Activist and Author