Donors the target to receive junk mail
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The National Blood Authority yesterday refused to rule out the possibility of Britain's 1.8 million blood donors being sent promotional mail through the post from private companies.
There had been speculation that, with its fiftieth anniversary next year, the NBA would give out its private mailing list of donors to companies after a request from McVitie's biscuits. Donors would then be deluged with promotional mail from companies which sponsored# the NBA. Labour's Health spokeswoman, Tessa Jowell, had criticised the "commercialisation" of the suggested move.
The NBA dismissed the idea of giving out the mailing addresses but admitted that leaflets from companies may be inserted into their letters to donors.
Although they had been speaking to several companies about potential business ventures, only McVitie's had requested access to the mailing list - a request the NBA immediately refused.
Tom Kelly, an NBA spokesman, said last night: "The confidentiality between the donor and the blood service is total.
"But we're not ruling out the possibility of leaflets. We would need to see how our donors felt about the idea. It's nothing to do with money, it's about raising our profile."
Both Ribena and McVitie's have expressed interest in giving free samples to blood donors. In letters leaked yesterday, both companies sought extra publicity from leaflets enclosed with NBA correspondence.
However, the two firms denied asking for access to the NBA database.
Tess Jowell last night accused McVitie's, Ribena and the NBA of backtracking. "I hope they will think again and not engage in further discussions like this without the consent of the donors.
"Donors come to give blood, not to be at the end of a marketing pitch."
News analysis, page 15.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments