Demand for white poppies surges
'The Gaza conflict seems to give the white poppy a new significance.’
There was a sharp rise in demand for white poppies ahead of Remembrance Day this month, following increased interest from those calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.
The Peace Pledge Union (PPU), which promotes white poppies, said it had experienced an ‘unprecedented rush of orders in the days leading up to 11th November. So far in November, white poppy orders are up over 60 per cent compared to November last year.’
PPU staff report that they have never seen so many people buying white poppies last-minute, with many buying them to take on ceasefire demonstrations.
Remembrance ceremonies involving white poppies are also happening in record numbers, staff said, with dozens taking place on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday, the highest number in at least five years. PPU members and supporters have also been selling white poppies at street stalls, often drawing attention to the victims of the war in Israel and Gaza at the same time. One stall in Wimbledon, organised by CND supporters, happened alongside a vigil for the victims of the bombing of Gaza. Alex Forbes, who was on the stall, said: ‘We sold all the white poppies in the box in Wimbledon today by the time the Palestine vigil crowd peaked… The Gaza conflict seems to give the white poppy a new significance.’
In further signs of increased demand, white poppy wreath kits, available for the first time this year, sold out within three weeks, and the number of white poppy boxes ordered by shops, cafes, community spaces, local groups and other distributors has increased by a quarter. Many schools and other educational settings have been using white poppies.
Comments
Please login to add a comment
