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A Large Minority Of Young People Will Not Wear A Poppy This Year

A Large Minority Of Young People Will Not Wear A Poppy This Year

In past years public figures have been attacked for not wearing poppies.

James Dawson

James Dawson

One in three Brits aged under 25 are unlikely to wear a poppy this year, according to a new study conducted by Consumer Intelligence.

The study also found that a fifth of adults generally intend not to wear one, with the same percentage of people saying they believed the poppy glorified war.

Another common reason cited by objectors was that they felt 'bullied' into supporting the annual Poppy Appeal and wished to rebel.

Credit: PA Images

One in three of those polled felt wearing a red poppy to mark Remembrance Sunday should be made compulsory, despite the Royal British Legion's belief that doing so would mean the symbol 'losing all meaning'.

In past years public figures, such as news readers John Snow and Charlene White, have been attacked for not wearing poppies.

A recent controversy saw England cricketer Moeen Ali criticised for not wearing the symbol during a team photo, although it subsequently emerged that it had simply fallen off his lapel.

Credit: PA Images

With some rejecting the red poppy due to perceived links to nationalism, the white poppy - a symbol of the anti-war movement alongside remembrance - has increased in popularity in recent years. The white poppy dates its origins to 1926, a few years after the introduction of the red poppy in the UK.

A Royal British Legion spokesperson said: "We take the view that the poppy represents the sacrifices and contributions our Armed Forces community have made in the defence of freedom and so the decision to wear it must be a matter of personal choice.

"If the poppy became compulsory it would lose its meaning and significance.

"The Legion will always defend the rights of individuals who choose not to wear a poppy, and we oppose those who attempt to coerce or criticise people who make this personal choice.

Credit: PA Images

"We are thankful for every poppy worn, every shop that allows poppy collections, and every employer that permits the poppy to be displayed, and we ask that those who wear a poppy have that choice respected."

Ian Hughes, Chief Executive of Consumer Intelligence said: "The Poppy Appeal commands widespread support and raises huge sums but not everyone agrees with it or backs it.

"It is interesting however that tolerance of those who oppose poppies is so high with most people accepting it is a matter of personal choice."

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: UK News