Poppy sellers had been required to display a printed notice on or near stalls at Poppy Appeal events, and to affix EU representative address stickers to all poppy trays
Ulster Unionist Party MP Robin Swann has welcomed clarification from the Secretary of State over EU regulations that had been imposed on poppy sellers ahead of this year’s appeal.
The South Antrim MP had tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons last month calling on the Minister for Veterans and the Minister for the Constitution and European Relations to work with the European Union to remove what he described as “unnecessary” regulations on poppy sellers in Northern Ireland.
As a result of the Windsor Framework, poppy sellers had been required to display a printed notice on or near stalls at Poppy Appeal events, and to affix EU representative address stickers to all poppy trays.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has now confirmed that the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal poppies and merchandise are not subject to EU Regulations and that guidance will be updated accordingly.
Mr Swann said: “I am very pleased that the Secretary of State has acted on this, and that guidance will be updated to ensure those running Poppy Appeal stands and events are not asked to follow unnecessary EU GPSR Regulations.
“Across Northern Ireland, Poppy Appeal organisers had been told to name an EU compliance rep and to ensure their details are made clear through stickers on poppy trays.
“I raised this unacceptable situation in Parliament and through an Early Day Motion. The clarity from the Secretary of State, and a commitment to update guidance for the Poppy Appeal, is very welcome news and a win for common sense.”
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