PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak’s puppy got a poppy yesterday.
The new PM and his wife Akshata Murty took the family’s 17-month-old fox red labrador retriever Nova when they donated to Royal British Legion collectors in Downing Street.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with his dog Nova are seen wearing poppies outside 10 Downing Street
Mr Sunak appeared to struggle putting some bank notes in a collecting tin held by Imogen Nicol, 11, from Wokingham, Berks, to buy poppies for him and Akshata.
He also bought an RBL dog collar, with a reflective poppy, from 11-year-old collector Maisie Mead for Nova.
Mr Sunak urged everyone to support the annual poppy appeal.
He said: “There is no greater sacrifice than that made by those who lay down their lives in service of their country.
“This year, like every other, that spirit of service has seen our Armed Forces deploy across the globe to protect our freedom and security.
“From the men and women who so proudly supported the late Queen’s funeral, to those who have trained Ukrainian troops to defend their country, our military is among the best in the world, and that has only been achieved through generations of dedication.
So during this year’s Poppy Appeal, please give generously.”
Each year primary school pupil Maisie raises money for the RBL by transforming her road in Plymouth into Poppy Street.
She said: “It was wonderful to be invited to No 10.
It’s been the best inset day and I can’t wait to go back to school to tell my friends.
Nova was very sweet and cheeky and barked a lot.”
Pets At Home expects to raise £1million for the RBL by selling poppy accessories for animals.
These include pet bandanas plus collar and poppy charm sets such as that worn by Nova.
RBL Poppy Appeal director Simon O’Leary said: “The Armed Forces risk everything to protect us, despite having never met us.
We’re encouraging people and their pets to wear a poppy to show serving personnel, veterans, and their families that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Buy your poppy from 40,000 poppy collectors around the UK or at rbl.org.uk
