Volunteers from the Royal British Legion say they were subjected to abuse from “left-wing idiots” while decorating a lamp post with poppies and flags in a Welsh seaside town. The incident, now under police investigation, allegedly took place as the group was placing Remembrance Day flags around a roundabout in Penarth, South Wales.
According to witnesses, the volunteers faced “threats and foul language” from a small group of aggressive individuals during their work last weekend. Penarth, a Victorian seaside town often ranked among the most desirable places to live in Wales, is known for its scenic coastal views, independent shops, and easy access to Cardiff. Royal British Legion volunteers operate from a caravan in the town centre where they sell poppies and other memorial items every autumn to raise money for the charity.
The Penarth Poppy Appeal in action (Image: Facebook / Penarth Poppy Appeal)
Penarth is a picturesque seaside town in south Wales (Image: Getty)
Volunteer Karen Jones said: “In a small friendly town, such as ours, you do not expect Poppy Appeal volunteers to get abuse when putting up Memorial lamp post poppies and flags for the Remembrance period.
“Our volunteers were approached this morning and met with abuse and threats to come back and take the poppies and flags down.
“The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is not political, it is to remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that people have ‘Free Speech’.
“Please do not hesitate to report any person attempting to take down the flags and poppies to the police.”
Mother-of-two Karen went on to say the abuse had been reported to the police and that officers were investigating.
Her husband Nick said volunteers had been “subjected to horrendous abuse by mindless left-wing idiots when putting up lamp post poppies. What is this country coming to?”
She added: “Flags and symbols are being placed around our towns and villages to recognise the people who have represented our armed forces in conflicts around the world.
“November 11 is a chance to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for the freedoms we have today.
“The mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan will be hosting the council’s annual remembrance service to mark armistice day and the observing of a two-minute silence at the merchant seamen memorial, civic office forecourt, at 11 am, to which all are welcome.”
South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police is currently investigating an alleged public order offence which took place on Windsor Road, Penarth on Sunday, October 26.”
Flag displays have become increasingly divisive in the UK in recent months. Campaigns such as “Raise the Colours” have seen national flags appear on lampposts and roundabouts, prompting arguments over whether such acts are patriotic or politically charged.
The issue has fuelled protests and counter-protests across the country. Following summer rallies in London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Britain must not let extremists “hijack” the flag for political purposes — a climate that makes even community tributes like the Poppy Appeal more fraught than before.
