For more than a century, red poppies have been a symbol of remembrance commemorating the British service men and women who have lost their lives in war.
People have proudly worn the emblems sold by the Royal British Legion – who use the money raised to support the Armed Forces community – to pay tribute to the fallen and support survivors’ and their families.
But a campaign group called the Peace Pledge Union believe people are promoting bloodshed by wearing red, and should swap it for a white poppy which represents peace.
The PPU have been promoting this message since 1933 but have stepped up their campaign this year by sending packs of their white poppies to schools.
They believe they should replace the red poppy as a sign of remembrance because it represents all people affected by war, not just the British Armed Forces.
Speaking about the issue on today’s Good Morning Britain, Symon Hill from the group put forward their argument.
He said: “The white poppy doesn’t insult anyone. It is a symbol of remembrance for all victims of war including the Armed Forces, civilians and people of all nationalities. It is a symbol of commitment for peace.”
He added: “The red poppy only represents the Armed Forces and others who died are excluded. Other victims need support.”
Ben Shephard questioned whether remembering everyone affected by war meant also commemorating killed ISIS fighters, and wondered why the PPU publicity drive was timed at the same time as the RBL appeal.
Army veteran Brian Wood agreed with Ben saying the PPU were trying to “sabotage” the good work the RBL are trying to carry out by fundraising via red poppies.
He said: “If people buy a white poppy instead of a red one it takes away money from the RBL. Why have this discussion now? I have lost friends to war and this is our time to reflect and remember them.”
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GMB viewers weighed into the debate with some saying they disagreed with the attack on the red poppy and others saying they were in favour of what the white one represented.
The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign held every year in November since 1921 to coincide with Remembrance Sunday, which will this year be on 12 November.
Money raised by the Poppy Appeal provides support for members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
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The PPU first launched their white poppy in 1933 as a symbol of pacifism and to promote world peace.