BUSY train stations have been left without poppy sellers amid fears of new pro-Palestinian protests.
Rishi Sunak called the nation to rally around the annual appeal.
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Busy British train stations have been left without poppy sellers amid fears of more pro-Palestinian protests, such as this one in London’s Liverpool StreetCredit: Getty
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Poppy sellers at Charing Cross station in London were surrounded by pro-Palestinian protesters Credit: Getty
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Volunteers selling Poppies have disappeared from stations after some were punched and crowded at junction stalls Credit: Darren Fletcher
He told Britain’s top police officer that he would take responsibility for any problems at Saturday’s Armistice Day demonstration.
The volunteers disappeared after some were hit and pushed at traffic junction stands.
The sale raised £42.2 million for the charity last year, but there are fears their coffers will be hit.
Mr Sunak told The Sun: “I am appalled that some poppy sellers – many veterans who are at the heart of our collective remembrance every year – have experienced intimidation and abuse while volunteering at train stations.
“The police have my full support to take action against this deplorable behavior which goes against everything we have fought for and stood for as a nation.
“I, like millions across the UK, will be wearing my poppy with pride this weekend. I urge passengers to take a moment to thank the volunteers who support our brave armed forces and buy a poppy.”
A 500-strong demo took place in Liverpool Street last Tuesday.
Staff have confirmed that the vendors will not be returning this year.
Three horrified volunteers were filmed surrounded by a mob in Charing Cross at the weekend.
And just tonight the protesters organized a protest at the station in Brighton.
Tory MP and former veterans minister Tobias Ellwood added: “No one should feel intimidated when selling poppies.
“Voices across our communities should voice their unwavering support for this traditional but much-loved annual appeal.
“Funds raised during these critical few weeks are being distributed to the many charities involved in providing vital support to injured personnel and veterans.”
Former army chief Lord Richard Dannatt added: “This is an important national activity and should be monitored to enable us to remember with gratitude those who fought and fell for our freedom.”
The Sun visited London’s Liverpool Street, which is used by 90,000 commuters a day, and found not a single Legion volunteer seller yesterday.
Three volunteers were at St Pancras – one wearing a body camera. He said, “This is just part of our uniform now.”
Retired nurse Alison Chalmers, 76, from Essex, said: “I was hoping to find a poppy. At this point, we should be proud, not scared. How did we get to the point where people are made to be afraid to share a symbol of respect?”
Passenger Laura Evans, 41, said: “It’s disgusting that it has come to this. Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in and there aren’t enough police to protect everyone.”
Staff at London Bridge said the lone shopkeeper went home after the morning rush hour, adding: “He has done his fortnight. That’s all he does.” Financial worker David Ward, 34, from Greenwich, south-east London, said: “Surely they haven’t stopped selling already? I have mine, but the crowd won’t. It’s a joke.”
The Legion, founded in 1921 to help troops and veterans, has admitted it has faced a shortage of volunteers.
A giant poppy hung at the entrance to London’s King’s Cross, but a worker said of the vendors: “I’m not sure what happened to them.”
Commuter Adam Hillman, 54, from Lincoln, said: “I would love to buy a poppy here today.
“It’s terrible that they’ve been kicked out for something that has nothing to do with them.” In Euston, central London, a worker said: “They used to be here for three weeks but since Monday they’ve disappeared. It would be terrible if they were afraid.”
The staff in Victoria said there had been no salespeople there all week.
James Lane, 79, from Littlehampton, West Sussex, who worked at the Royal Household, said: “It is so important for us to remember our heroes. A lot of families were lost in the wars.”
Poppies were on sale in Charing Cross and Waterloo.
Outside the capital, sellers were absent in Leeds setting up stalls last week. The security worker said: “I’m not surprised. There was a tense atmosphere.
He added: “They decided to put their safety first.”
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Rishi Sunak last night called on the nation to rally around the annual appeal after fears sales for the veterans’ fundraiser would fall Credit: AFP
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Met Police Chief Constable Mark Rowley refused to ban marches in LondonCredit: PA
Paralegal Nicola Smith, 29, said: “The station is so busy and has to raise so much money.”
Travelers gathered for the finish in Birmingham New Street.
Poppies were also on sale at Edinburgh Waverley despite claims of an attack, which were later denied.
In Glasgow Central, poppy seller Liz White, 71, from Motherwell, said: “I lost two uncles in the Second World War. I just want to give back.” The Royal British Legion said: “We rely on the generous time offered by volunteers and organize the collection as widely as possible, but we cannot provide volunteer protection in all locations during the appeal.”
British Transport Police have appealed for comment.
- Additional reporting by Harry Cole, Eleanor Sharples, Julia Atherley and Jerome Starkey
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