Swale Borough Council in Kent has faced criticism after ordering a local taxi firm, iCars, to remove Remembrance poppy stickers and a "Lest We Forget" sign from its vehicles, sparking accusations that it disrespected veterans. The order came from a licensing officer following a single complaint that the items breached the council's rules on unauthorised vehicle advertising, prompting condemnation from a local councillor, an MP and the taxi firm's owner, who called the decision "shameful" and "disgraceful".

Company boss Neil McLennan said the poppy and RBL-branded stickers had been displayed on some of his 11 cabs for around four years to support the Royal British Legion, and that he removed them within minutes of being contacted but intends to challenge the ruling. Councillor Richard Palmer, a former soldier, and MP Kevin McKenna both wrote to the council demanding it reverse the decision, with McKenna praising iCars for its work serving disabled passengers. The council said its licensing policy, updated in 2025 after public consultation, does not permit such stickers, though it has since withdrawn a separate demand that Mr McLennan remove name stickers used to help passengers with dementia or disabilities identify their car.