Veterans have labeled the acts of a Scottish nationalist MSP who wore a homemade pro-independence “peace” poppy to Holyrood as a “insult.”
Michelle Thomson, an SNP backbencher, is under criticism for attending a finance committee session at Holyrood today while wearing a white poppy with a ‘yes’ insignia in the center.
This decision was made less than 72 hours before Armistice Day, which commemorates the end of the First World War and honors the British military people who sacrificed their lives defending the nation.
Ms. Thomson has stated that she never intended to offend and that she only wore the ‘yes’ badge because she did not have a safety pin.
Veterans are angered by her conduct, alleging that her decision to adopt the political emblem was both offensive and unpleasant.
Bruce Wilson, a former Royal Marine captain and veterans spokesman for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, told the Daily Telegraph, “This is an insult to veterans.” It appears that nationalists will place a Yes sticker on everything.
Whether you choose to wear a white or red poppy, this is a symbol of solemn remembrance and not a publicity ploy for your narrow political cause.
The Peace Pledge Union, a pacifist organization, distributes white poppies, claiming that the symbol commemorates all victims of war, not only British soldiers.
Each November, the red poppy is traditionally worn to commemorate the time of Remembrance. However, some anti-war activists assert that the symbol has become connected with militarism and lost its original significance.
Ms. Thompson’s decision to wear a white poppy sparked a flood of criticism from rival Scottish Conservative Party politicians.
According to the Herald Scotland, Tory MSP Sharon Dowey stated: “This is beyond rude and insensitive from Michelle Thomson.”
To politicize our deceased war heroes in order to promote her pro-independence narrative is actually beyond comprehension.
It is evident that her preoccupation with divorcing Scotland from the United Kingdom supersedes all other considerations, including her sense of decency.
Imagine the uproar if a firm attempted to appropriate the poppy for promotional purposes. This is the political counterpart of that, as it is both disgraceful and shameless.
“Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion when the nation comes together to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom. Regardless of their political affiliations, all intelligent Scots will be disgusted by Michelle Thomson’s sleazy stunt.
The Telegraph claimed that a spokesperson for Ms. Thomson insisted that she had merely attached a political signal to the poppy because her previous white flower had shattered.
“Michelle wore a white poppy all last week, and she passionately believes in its message of peace,” the spokesman said.
“Unfortunately, this paper poppy disintegrated during the weekend. Upon her arrival at the committee, she requested another white poppy from a colleague, who provided her with one, but without a safety pin.
She attached it with her Yes badge before receiving another safety pin after the committee meeting. There was no malice intended.
After today’s committee meeting, her white poppy promoting the message of peace will be pinned to the Scottish Parliament in the customary manner.
Some anti-war activists assert that the red poppy has become synonymous with militarism and that its original significance has been corrupted.
Ms. Thomson’s spokeswoman stated that she merely added a political signal to the poppy since her original white poppy had disintegrated.
“Michelle wore a white poppy all last week, and she passionately believes in its message of peace,” the spokesman said.
“Unfortunately, this paper poppy disintegrated during the weekend. Upon her arrival at the committee, she requested another white poppy from a colleague, who provided her with one, but without a safety pin.
“She attached it with her Yes badge before receiving another safety pin after the committee meeting.” There was no malice intended.
After today’s committee meeting, her white poppy, which promotes the message of peace, will be affixed as usual to the Scottish Parliament.