GB News host Ellie Costello says there is a worrying amount of Britons not wearing poppies as the Royal British Legion marks London Poppy Day.
Speaking to Breakfast co-host Stephen Dixon, Ellie recalled walking through Liverpool Street Station and seeing “no one buying a poppy”, before realising that “no one was wearing a poppy either”.
The Royal British Legion are holding their major fundraising event in Liverpool Street Station today, where Royal Marines will take part in an abseil in the middle of the commuter hotspot.
Ahead of Remembrance Sunday in November, the London Poppy Day kicks off the official appeal for Britons to purchase and wear their poppies.
Ellie Costello has hit out at the lack of Britons buying poppies as the nation marks London Poppy Day
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PA / GB NEWS
Discussing the fundraiser on GB News, Ellie said: “I really hope people put their hands and their pockets for the Royal British Legion.
“Because I noticed, I don’t know whether this is just me, but I was walking through Liverpool Street station and nobody was buying a poppy. Nobody.”
She added: “And then I looked around because I always wear a poppy and always have done since school, and I didn’t notice anybody wearing a poppy.
“I don’t know if fewer people are now wearing poppies, I hope not, but it’s something I had picked up on the other day.”
The Royal British Legion are fundraising for London Poppy Day in Liverpool Street Station
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GB NEWS
Admitting that some Britons may feel it is “too early” to buy and wear a poppy, Ellie said: “I know it’s still a little while to go, isn’t it, until Remembrance Sunday?
“Maybe we’re just quite early, but it is poppy buying season.”
Stephen Dixon added: “I suppose it is quite early in that sense, but nevertheless, we do need to wear our poppies with pride, as the slogan used to go.
“Because it’s about supporting the Royal British Legion who do a tremendous amount of good work. And it’s got to be remembered.”
Ellie told Stephen that ‘no one was buying or wearing a poppy’ as she walked through the station
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GB NEWS
Stephen concluded: “It’s not just about wearing a poppy, it’s about the money that you give as well. So it’s a really important thing, and it’s something that we normally do very well in this country.”
Speaking to GB News, Director of the Poppy Appeal Lucy Inskip said the fundraiser marks a “brilliant day” in the poppy appeal calendar.
She said: “It’s a brilliant day in the calendar of the Royal British Legion poppy appeal. As you say, it’s the 19th London Poppy Day, and there’s lots going on across London.
“We have military bands and choirs across all the main stations, lots of activities, bring the kids, come on down. We are today supporting, of course, our Armed Forces community. We are looking for you to donate, and we are raising hopefully over £1million in just 12 hours.
“And we’re really excited to get Londoners involved and support your Armed Forces community.”