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Fury as Jeremy Corbyn’s ex-advisor defends ‘Palestine Poppy’
Former Jeremy Corbyn adviser James Schneider defended the “Palestine Peace” poppy badge, saying people should be free to remember Palestinians killed in the conflict as well as those who died in previous wars. His comments drew criticism from former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis, who argued that the poppy is a longstanding British remembrance symbol and that politicising it should be viewed negatively.
The enamel badge was designed by NHS doctor Abdul Qader Ismail, listed on eBay for £1.78, with profits said to go to charities working to end the occupation and war crimes in Gaza. The exchange took place ahead of the annual Cenotaph remembrance service. Separately, the Royal British Legion said its 20th London Poppy Day raised a record £1,703,851, with about 2,500 armed forces personnel and volunteers collecting donations across the capital.
In short
- James Schneider defended the Palestine Peace poppy badge.
- Sir Michael Ellis said the traditional poppy should not be politicised.
- London Poppy Day raised a record £1.7 million.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters can argue that remembrance should include civilians killed in current conflicts, including Palestinians, and that wearing a peace-themed badge expresses compassion rather than disrespect for British service personnel. They may see the poppy’s wider meaning as a call to remember the human cost of war and support efforts to end violence.
The case against
Critics can argue that the poppy has a longstanding association with remembering British and Commonwealth service personnel, and that attaching a contemporary political message risks changing or distracting from that shared purpose. They may consider remembrance ceremonies especially important as a unifying tribute, and believe advocacy about current conflicts belongs in a separate setting.