The BBC is facing questions after removing white poppies from its main reception in Broadcasting House, despite previously stating that staff are free to wear remembrance poppies “of any colour”.

The white poppies were donated by the Peace Pledge Union (PPU), who distribute the symbol of remembrance for all victims of war, both civilian and military, of all nationalities. The PPU is now calling on the BBC to honour its prior commitments to balance and impartiality by allowing white poppies to be available to staff and visitors alongside red poppies.

PPU members delivered a box of white poppies to the reception of Broadcasting House last week, where they were warmly received by reception staff. However, it was later discovered that the poppies were not placed on display, leaving only red poppies at the entrance.

The BBC Director-General’s office has acknowledged receipt of the donation but has not yet said why the white poppies were withheld.

Peter Glasgow, Chair of the PPU Council, said, “The BBC has previously stated that its staff may wear remembrance poppies of any colour. We are asking only that this commitment be honoured in practice.”

He added, “White poppies are worn by many thousands of people across the UK every year, as they have been for over ninety years. Given the BBC’s central role in public life and its stated commitment to impartiality, we hope that it will respect the diverse remembrance traditions in this country and ensure white poppies are available to staff and visitors who wish to wear them."

In 2020, the BBC confirmed that staff and presenters could wear poppies “of any colour”, a policy that was welcomed at the time by white poppy wearers. The PPU now warns that removing white poppies from BBC premises risks undermining that inclusive approach.

White poppies, first produced in 1933, represent remembrance for all victims of war, a commitment to peace, and a rejection of militarism. They are worn by thousands of people across the UK every year, sometimes alongside red poppies. Money raised through white poppy sales supports the PPU’s work promoting peace education and nonviolent approaches to conflict.

This Remembrance Sunday, wreaths of white poppies will be laid at war memorials across the UK. White poppies are increasingly becoming an established part of official remembrance events in many places, thanks to peace campaigners who have successfully worked with local councils, the Royal British Legion and others to ensure their inclusion. The PPU said this cooperation reflects a growing public acknowledgment of the white poppy’s significance.

Acclaimed actor Sir Mark Rylance, who wears a white poppy, is due to speak at the National Alternative Remembrance Ceremony this Sunday. Further remembrance events featuring white poppies will take place in dozens of towns and cities, including Bath, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, London and Manchester.

Image - Peter Glasgow, Chair of the PPU, donating white poppies at the BBC's Broadcasting House

You can buy white poppies online, or find a local outlet near you on our map of white poppy outlets. For white poppy ceremonies taking place around the UK this weekend, please visit our events page.