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BBC to allow presenters to wear white poppies on air

THE BBC has confirmed that presenters may wear white poppies if they choose to in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.

White poppies represent remembrance for all victims of war, both military and civilian and of all nationalities. They also symbolise a commitment to peace and challenge any attempt to glamourise armed conflict.

Red poppies stand for remembrance for British and allied military personnel.

The BBC said presenters can now wear remembrance poppies “of any colour” between October 30 and November 14.

It said: “Wearing poppies is an act of remembrance and remembrance poppies can be of many colours.”

The corporation said that it has a partnership with the Royal British Legion, which produces red poppies, but added: “We have no objection to poppies of any colour, provided they embrace the simple act of remembrance and do not carry a political or campaigning or commercial message.”

The Peace Pledge Union, which distributes white poppies, welcomed the decision but urged the BBC to ensure that no member of staff would be disadvantaged for choosing to wear a white poppy.

Its remembrance project manager Geoff Tibbs said: “With more people wearing white poppies in recent years, the BBC is right to recognise that there are varied approaches to remembrance and that many people want to remember all victims of war, including military and civilians of all nationalities.

“Sadly, people who wear white poppies on television often face abuse from the far right on social media.

“We urge the BBC’s management to stand up for the rights of any staff who choose to wear white poppies and to ensure that nobody is pressurised into not doing so.”

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