Now the Loony Right Targets the Poppy Appeal
Esther McVey and Laurence Fox are among those claiming the Royal British Legion (RBL) has become ‘woke’.
The New Culture War
Britain’s right-wing critics are now attacking the Royal British Legion, the charity behind the annual poppy appeal that raises funds to support military veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
Public Figures' Criticism
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Former Tory minister Esther McVey expressed her frustration on X:
“Bought my poppy as I do every year… however, horrified to discover The Royal British Legion (RBL) has a Head of Diversity & Inclusion at a wage of about £65k – that’s a lot of poppies to sell just for that non-job wage! All the money should be going to veterans not on politically correct non-jobs.”
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Actor and commentator Laurence Fox also spoke out:
“Haven’t bought a poppy yet this year… Can’t bring myself to contribute to the head of diversity, equity and inclusion’s salary. I refuse to support it.”
The Royal British Legion’s Purpose
The RBL maintains that the role of Head of Diversity & Inclusion is crucial. It helps organise support for minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, and disabled veterans and serving personnel. These groups might otherwise avoid seeking help, wrongly thinking the RBL does not represent them.
Commentary
The criticism ignores the important work done to ensure all veterans receive support, reflecting misunderstandings by public figures about the charity’s inclusive mission.
“The role criticised by McVey, Fox and hundreds of others is vital in organising support for minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ and disabled veterans and serving personnel who may not come forward for help.”
Author’s summary: The poppy appeal faces misguided backlash as critics target diversity efforts despite their importance in supporting all veterans.
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