David Lammy Criticized for Not Wearing Poppy at PMQs
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced criticism after appearing in the House of Commons without a remembrance poppy during Prime Minister’s Questions. Around fifteen minutes into the session, he borrowed one from Labour MP Calvin Bailey, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson passing it to him.
Lammy was standing in for Sir Keir Starmer while the Prime Minister attended the Cop30 summit in Brazil. His initial lack of the poppy stirred disapproval from members of the Conservative Party and Reform UK.
Public and Political Reactions
“A disgrace that David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister of this nation and standing in for the Prime Minister at PMQs, is not wearing a poppy.” — Former Tory minister Kevin Hollinrake
“Deputy Prime Minister fails to wear poppy whilst remembering our brave veterans and the fallen.” — Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice
“Lammy isn’t wearing a poppy, how disrespectful.” — Conservative MP Saqib Bhatti
Tribute and Context
Before the controversy, Lammy had opened Prime Minister’s Questions by honoring those who fought “to defend our freedom.” The event took place shortly before Remembrance Sunday, adding symbolic significance to the criticism.
Summary
David Lammy drew criticism for omitting a remembrance poppy at PMQs, sparking backlash from opposition MPs before he later pinned one mid-session.