I, Daniel Blake, am a citizen, nothing more, nothing less.

‘I am not a client, a customer, nor a service user. I am not a shirker, a scrounger, a beggar nor a thief. 

I am not a national insurance number, nor a blip on a screen. I paid my dues, never a penny short, and was proud to do so. 

I don’t tug the forelock but look my neighbour in the eye. I don’t accept or seek charity. 

My name is Daniel Blake, I am a man, not a dog. As such I demand my rights. I demand you treat me with respect. 

I, Daniel Blake, am a citizen, nothing more, nothing less.

Thank you."