London cabbies have been forced to remove the word poppy from their vehicles after a Remembrance Day row with the Royal British Legion. For almost 20 years, an armada of Hackney carriages has collected war heroes and chauffeured them to the Cenotaph so they can participate in the annual national service.
They have mustered under the informal Poppy Cabs flag, but this year the cavalcade has changed its name to Cabs-for-Veterans.
Restrictive licensing agreement
Britain’s largest Armed Forces charity tried to get drivers to sign up to a “restrictive licensing agreement” regarding the use of the word poppy in the initiative's name and logo. The move infuriated hundreds of drivers who assembled in iconic black taxis, giving up their time and vehicles for free every November.
London cabbie and Poppy Cab volunteer Lisa Nancarrow, 58, said: “London taxi drivers don’t like being told what to do. This is petty, bureaucratic, unnecessary, and of all the battles to pick, entirely pointless. We’re completely and utterly disgusted. What next? You can’t go into a bakery and ask for a poppy-seed roll. It’s just madness.”
Trust broke down
Founder Mike Hughes, 78, with the unanimous support of hundreds of cabbies, refused to sign a contract. He has now removed Poppy Cab branding from his vehicle and said: “Despite everything, the overarching concern is the free Remembrance Day taxi service. We get on very well with the staff on the ground - it's just the legal department who seem to be intent on protecting the intellectual rights of the RBL without considering that maybe sometimes it's better to let sleeping dogs lie. Well, they’ve certainly kicked this old dog.”
The RBL instructed trade mark and design attorneys JA Kemp to formalise a relationship with Poppy Cabs in order to protect the word poppy and associated logos. The charity holds strict trademarks and design rights for the specific styling of its official Remembrance poppy and for the use of the word, with protections registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office.
Service continues under new name
Mr Hughes said: “Poppy Cabs was always a very loose organisation. It is that which makes the spirit of the occasion so special for our drivers, helpers and family members. Most importantly, 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.”
Each year, hundreds of cabbies gather on Westminster Bridge to collect veterans from all mainline stations in Greater London and take them safely to Whitehall, Westminster Abbey or Hyde Park Corner. More than 2,000 journeys are made - all for free. The service plays a significant role in allowing around 10,000 veterans and eligible participants from more than 300 Armed Forces and civilian associations to pay tribute to the fallen.
The RBL said: “Poppy Cabs has provided remarkable support to veterans over the past 16 years, making a real difference to many people attending Remembrance events, particularly those who may otherwise have struggled to do so. The RBL has been in discussions with Poppy Cabs regarding a free-of-charge licensing agreement for the use of the poppy in their name and logo. However, Poppy Cabs took the decision to change their name to Cabs-for-Veterans. 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.”
Taxi charity chairman praises cabbies
London cabbie and chairman Colin Mills said: “The Poppy Cabs service is nothing short of vital. For many of our veterans, especially those who are wheelchair users or have mobility challenges, attending the Remembrance Sunday service would be almost impossible without this remarkable support from London’s cab drivers. These selfless men and women have given their time, their vehicles, and their hearts to ensure our veterans can be present at the Cenotaph to honour fallen comrades. Their kindness, respect, and unwavering commitment exemplify the very best of our community.”
