heren was a fierce defender of the independence of the press, and was unafraid of authority. he objected to being called a journalist, preferring to be described as a reporter. he said it was crucial to go out to where the story was and to speak directly to those involved. he is remembered by journalists for many stories and sayings, but the one that is still quoted today is: "when a politician tells you something in confidence, always ask yourself why is this lying bastard lying to me?" although, as the man from "the times", he was able to relay the ideas and actions of the powerful to the world, his heart was really in reporting how the news affected ordinary people. he gave himself one last assignment in 1981 when prime minister margaret thatcher was threatening the british coal industry with closure. he travelled to yorkshire and went underground with a shift of pit miners.