David Lammy forgets Remembrance symbol while standing in for Starmer
While substituting for Keir Starmer in the House of Commons, Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy began the session with a solemn tribute to those who fought to defend freedom. However, midway through Prime Minister's Questions, it became clear he was not wearing a Remembrance poppy — something most MPs had pinned in advance of the upcoming Remembrance Sunday.
About fifteen minutes into the session, Cabinet colleague Bridget Phillipson offered him a poppy to discreetly resolve the oversight. The moment caused some embarrassment for Lammy, especially given the patriotic tone of his opening remarks.
“I bought a new suit this morning because my Godmother said she would be watching,”
he explained to the Commons, adding that he was grateful to Ms Phillipson “for ensuring that despite wearing a new suit I have managed to put my poppy on.”
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake later criticized the lapse, calling it “a disgrace” that Lammy had appeared at PMQs without the symbolic flower.
Author’s Summary
David Lammy forgot to wear a Remembrance poppy during PMQs, only correcting it mid-session after a colleague handed him one, drawing public ridicule and political criticism.