David Lammy Forgets Remembrance Symbol While Standing in for Starmer
During a session in the House of Commons, Justice Secretary David Lammy filled in for Keir Starmer and began by making a solemn Remembrance tribute. However, it quickly became apparent that he was not wearing a poppy, a symbol worn by the vast majority of MPs ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
About 15 minutes into Prime Minister's Questions, Lammy—who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister—was handed a poppy pin by Cabinet colleague Bridget Phillipson, allowing him to discreetly correct the oversight.
"I bought a new suit this morning because my Godmother said she would be watching," Lammy explained in response to a question from Tory MP Bob Blackman. He further expressed gratitude to Ms. Phillipson "for ensuring that despite wearing a new suit I have managed to put my poppy on."
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized Lammy's lapse, calling it "a disgrace" that he stood in for Starmer at PMQs without a poppy.
Summary
David Lammy accidentally forgot to wear a poppy at PMQs, later fixing the mistake, but faced criticism for not observing this important Remembrance tradition while representing Starmer.