Keir Starmer's Historic Gesture: Supporting the Poppy Appeal before Cabinet Meeting

Sir Keir Starmer Joins Ministers in Supporting Poppy Appeal

Sir Keir Starmer made history yesterday — helping the Poppy Appeal just as he was due to have a Cabinet meeting. For the first time since the veterans’ charity drive began in 1921, ministers put money in collecting tins and got out credit cards to make donations as they arrived at No10.

Early Launch and Support

Even though the appeal officially launches tomorrow, the PM got his poppy yesterday so he could wear it to a Commonwealth summit in Samoa later this week. Poppy-selling veteran Dr Jenny Hartley, 43, also got Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defence Secretary John Healey to get theirs ahead of schedule.

Community Support and Generosity

Jenny said: "Selling poppies in the High Street is a bit less glamorous than in Downing Street but it is important to help our veterans wherever you buy your poppy." She added: "Like a lot of people, I always thought the Legion is for older veterans and I don't see myself as being in that group."

Meeting with Supporters

The PM also met paramedic student Zoe Salton, 24, who has been a collector for ten years and National Service veteran Michael Homer, 80, who has been a poppy appeal organiser in Fareham, Hants, for 16 years. They were joined at No10 by Deen Maan, 25, who sells poppies in Finchley and Mill Hill, north London.

Aim to Raise £53million

The Royal British Legion hopes to raise £53million this year to help ex-soldiers.