Dame Joan Collins has voiced support for London's black cab drivers who were forced to remove the word "poppy" from their vehicles in a dispute with the Royal British Legion.
The 93-year-old Hollywood actress, known for her role as Alexis Colby in the 1980s TV series Dynasty, backed hundreds of drivers who give up their time and waive fares to transport war heroes to the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
Rebranding after licensing row
For almost 20 years, the cabbies have operated under the informal name Poppy Cabs. This year, the cavalcade has changed its name to Cabs-for-Veterans after the Royal British Legion tried to get drivers to sign a "restrictive licensing agreement" regarding the use of the word poppy in the initiative's name and logo.
The charity, founded in 1921, does not hold a copyright on the poppy as a botanical flower, nor does it own exclusive intellectual property for all poppy symbols. However, it holds strict trademarks and design rights for the specific styling of its official Remembrance poppy and the use of the word in protections registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office.
Founder Mike Hughes, 78, with the unanimous support of hundreds of cabbies, refused to sign a contract and decided to rebrand. He said: "The day is all about the veterans. It is their comfort and welfare that comes before all else. After a lot of discussion, we have decided that we will now use the title Cabs-for-Veterans."
Campaign continues tradition
Hughes added: "This is one of the highlights of the taxi trade year when a special effort is made to pay back part of the debt owed to our veterans. Our service means they can mark the eleventh hour."
The campaign continues a tradition established in 2009 by a group of London taxi drivers who wanted to make it easier for veterans to attend the national act of remembrance. Hughes said: "While the name has changed, the commitment remains the same: ensuring those who served their country are able to come together, remember their comrades and take part in this important annual occasion."
Dame Joan said: "Cabs-for-Veterans is an incredibly heart-warming effort coordinated by independent cabbies across London who give their time and money to ferry veterans on Remembrance Day to the Cenotaph so they can honour their fallen comrades who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. I support Cabs-for-Veterans and London taxis in their efforts and applaud this poignant campaign."
Service details and attendance
Each Remembrance Sunday, hundreds of cabbies gather on Westminster Bridge to collect veterans from all mainline stations in Greater London and take them to Whitehall, Westminster Abbey or Hyde Park Corner. More than 2,000 journeys are made, all for free.
The service allows around 10,000 veterans and eligible participants from more than 300 Armed Forces and civilian associations to pay tribute to the fallen. This year's service will be attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Royal British Legion said: "We will continue to work with Cabs-for-Veterans, their volunteer drivers, and marshals to provide this valuable service, and they have our support and gratitude."
