Volunteers for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, were subjected to threats and verbal abuse while attempting to display Union Jack flags and poppies ahead of Remembrance Day. The incident occurred on Windsor Road on Sunday, October 26, according to reports.
Karen Jones, a volunteer, described the abuse on social media, stating that she and fellow volunteers were told to “take the poppies and the flags down.” She expressed shock that such behaviour occurred in a “small, friendly town” and emphasised that the Poppy Appeal is non-political, honouring those who sacrificed for free speech.
South Wales Police confirmed they are investigating an alleged public order offence related to the incident. A spokesperson said the force was alerted later on Sunday and is looking into the matter.
Local figures condemned the abuse. Phillip Warner noted that the volunteers involved are Royal Navy veterans who have decorated Penarth for years. Tesha Todd called the incident “baffling” for the town. Vale of Glamorgan Council Leader Lis Burnett reaffirmed support for the volunteers, stating that the flags recognise armed forces sacrifices and that the council’s annual remembrance service will proceed as planned.
Jones urged the public to report any attempts to remove the flags and poppies to the police, hoping the incident remains isolated and does not reflect the community's support for the Poppy Appeal.
