NI Should 'Wear Poppy With Pride', Says PM

A local MP has successfully lobbied the Prime Minister to win his explicit support for the coming Remembrance Sunday poppy.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell earlier called upon the Prime Minister to not only ensure that anyone who wishes to display the poppy as a mark of respect in Remembrance week is able to do so, but that its display is actively promoted.

Mr Campbell was speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.

As a result, David Cameron has today told MPs that it is indeed appropriate people in Northern Ireland to mark Remembrance Day.

Responding to the DUP MP's question, Mr Cameron said that many people from both parts of Ireland have served in the armed forces.

The holding of a minute's silence was a tribute to them, he said, adding: "I think it's particularly appreciated in NI where so many people have served so bravely," he said.

"Whenever I visit and see the Royal Irish Regiment, you are always struck by how many people from both sides of the border have served so bravely in our armed forces."

Adding his own voice, Mr Campbell said: "At Cenotaphs across the nation we will pay homage to those men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice in conflicts down through the years.

"It is important that whether in shops, schools, churches or on football tops, where there is a desire to display this tribute in an entirely non-partisan way it should not just be allowed but positively promoted."

He added: "It was particularly appropriate that the Prime Minister mentioned Northern Ireland and the poppy applies to people from right across the community, who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice."

(BMcC/GK)