Now the Loony Right Turns Its Fire on the Poppy Appeal
The latest culture war from Britain’s far-right focuses on the Royal British Legion, the long-standing charity behind the annual poppy appeal that supports military veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
Criticism from Public Figures
Former Conservative minister Esther McVey expressed outrage on social media after learning that the Royal British Legion employs a Head of Diversity and Inclusion with an annual salary of around £65,000.
“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.”
– Esther McVey
Actor and commentator Laurence Fox shared a similar sentiment, announcing that he had refused to buy a poppy this year.
“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.”
– Laurence Fox
The Royal British Legion’s Response
The Royal British Legion defends the position in question, describing it as essential for ensuring equal access to support among minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, and disabled veterans, as well as active personnel who might otherwise avoid seeking help due to misconceptions that the organization is not inclusive.
Critics like McVey and Fox dismiss this explanation, but their protests have been broadly described as another front in the ongoing “culture war.”
Author’s Summary
The British far-right’s backlash against the Royal British Legion’s diversity efforts reveals how inclusivity in veteran support has become a target of modern culture wars.