by Tom Jeffreys, Telegraph (Photo credit: Royal British Legion)
Royal British Legion accused of virtue signalling after show of support for LGBT troops
A badge that combines the poppy symbol with a Pride flag politicises remembrance, a Reform UK councillor has claimed.
Joseph Boam, a councillor for the Whitwick ward on Leicestershire county council, said the “Pride poppy badge” was an example of virtue signalling.
However, the Royal British Legion (RBL), which is selling the pin, defended the badge, arguing it was designed to support its LGBTIQ+ community, particularly those who served before discrimination against sexual orientation was banned in the military in 2000.
The badge, retailing on RBL’s website for £8, is a regular poppy accompanied by an “intersex-inclusive progressive Pride flag”.
Mr Boam, 23, criticised the charity in a Facebook post: “The Royal British Legion has politicised remembrance of our war dead.
“This is an insult to every veteran who wore the poppy with pride. I am deeply disappointed.
“People support the Poppy Appeal every year to honour those who served. Not to push political agendas.
“Who else has had enough of this woke virtue signalling crap!”