Plaid Cymru call for poppy change

With this year marking the centenary of the start of the Great War, Elfyn Llwyd believes it is an appropriate time to bring in the national poppy.

Llwyd spoke of how everyone in Wales has a story of how the Great War touched the lives of family and friends.

Cardiff’s Field of Remembrance could look very different with Plaid’s Welsh poppy

Speaking in his last annual conference as an MP, Llwyd says, “Plaid Cymru would like to see the Welsh poppy come to represent a symbol of remembrance and respect, not only for the victims of World War I but all subsequent conflicts.”

The Welsh poppy (Meconopsis cambrica) was introduced as Plaid Cymru’s logo in 2006.

In support of his fellow party member, Glenn Page, National Chair of Plaid Cymru Youth, says, “I will wear a Welsh poppy, and I hope others will join me, to pay my respect to all those affected by war, not just the soldiers who gave their lives, but their families, their loved ones and their comrades who lived on.

“The Party of Wales has tirelessly campaigned for veterans rights, many of whom receive little to no support after returning from combat. Remembrance alone is not enough. I want to see the Welsh Poppy as a symbol that represents remembrance, support for veterans and ultimately, a desire for peace.”

There was also words of support from across the party divide as Ryan Hunter, Chair of Conservative Future Cardiff says, “I would support any idea that can raise more money for our troops and veterans.”

Wales would not be the only home nation to have a separate poppy. Scotland has a curled poppy with four petals, no leaf and that is sold by the Earl Haig Fund Scotland.

Cardiff Castle, Elfyn Llwyd, Plaid Cymru, Poppy, Remembrance Day, welsh assembly