All children should be made to wear poppies

Peter Whittle, over at the New Culture Forum, has argued today that all children should be made to wear poppies. He said:

“Last week, I spoke at a conference attended by those who would mostly characterise themselves as being on the liberal left. Among the hundreds of the apparently caring, concerned individuals there, I saw not a single one wearing a poppy. However amongst the wider population, it is becoming increasingly clear how this simple piece of quiet national commemoration has fallen foul of the disastrous social fragmentation which the IPPR, with its statements on Christmas, seems intent on promoting. In particular, it is noticeable with each passing year how few members of ethnic minorities wear poppies.

“This is hardly surprising when one considers how different groups have been encouraged by the liberal establishment to retain their own cultures at all costs. Remembrance Day is seen as a tradition of the majority culture, of little relevance to minorities, and thus not one to be unduly encouraged.

“This is completely wrong. If Remembrance Day is to remain, as it should, part of our national annual life, then the background and meaning of it must be explained at the first opportunity to all people living in this country. It is very simple. The best way would be for all primary school children – an increasing proportion of whom are from ethnic minorities – to be issued with a free poppy which they should wear for a week up to Remembrance Sunday itself. It should be fully and fairly explained to them what is behind this small gesture. The prejudices and bigotry of the educational establishment should not be allowed to intrude.”