Overview
- Sir Mark Rylance has joined the Peace Pledge Union and publicly endorsed its white poppy message of remembering all victims of war and pursuing nonviolent approaches.
- He is scheduled to speak at the National Alternative Remembrance Ceremony in Tavistock Square, where a white wreath will be laid at the Conscientious Objectors' Stone.
- Veterans including Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon and Col Philip Ingram condemned the campaign, arguing it belittles service and attempts to 'hijack' Remembrance.
- The Royal British Legion reiterated that people are free to choose which poppy to wear and said the red poppy recognises service and sacrifice in defence of peace, democracy and freedom.
- The PPU says its call to 'decolonise' remembrance seeks to include victims of colonial conflicts and notes rising civilian deaths in recent years, citing Gaza and Ukraine.