MikeyT Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 British Legion banned from selling poppies in city centre The Royal British Legion has been banned from selling poppies in a city centre in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday because of council red tape. The charity are forbidden from collecting in parts of Birmingham city centre in the run-up to November 13 because a charity for the homeless were granted a licence to do so first. Birmingham City Council has changed its application system to allow only one charity to collect in the street at once, meaning the day before Remembrance Sunday there shall be no poppy sellers in the second city. The decision has angered many across the city, who have described the decision as an insult to Britain's war heroes. Homeless charity Shelter had submitted an earlier application which meant the legion would have to forgo collections in New Street and High Street on 11 November. And the legion is not permitted to collect anywhere in the city on 12 November. Former poppy seller Bert Landry, 84, said: "Its an insult to our war heroes. Without them those fat-cat councillors would not be sitting in their council chambers on their extortionate salaries. "Brave boys and girls have fought for freedom in this country, but instead we insist on collecting for the the rest of the world, which are good causes, but charity must begin at home. "I hope common sense prevails in this ludicrous ban." A spokesperson for the Birmingham Royal British Legion said: "We are disappointed to be not to be able to collect in parts of the city on some of the days because it is 11/11/11 this year." The Poppy Appeal is officially started in London one week prior to Remembrance Sunday, which falls this year on 13 November, giving fundraisers one week to make street collections, although tins can be left in stores earlier. Oxfam said it has waived its right to collect in Birmingham city centre on 5 November to allow the legion to collect on that day instead. However city council licensing restrictions remain in place for Armistice Day on 11 November and Remembrance Sunday on 12 November. Unfortunately they are unable to overturn that decision as it would be unlawful." Carol Jones, whose 37-year-old soldier son John was killed in Iraq, said she could not "believe" the situation. Sgt Jones from Castle Bromwich, who served with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died as a result of injuries he received from a roadside bomb during a routine patrol in Basra in November 2005. His mother said: "The Royal British Legion have always respected the fallen, they're always there for the veterans. "As far as I'm concerned they should have priority. Whoever suggests dates and when they should apply should really start thinking about the fallen instead of petty ideas." "It's about respect for the fallen right back to World War I, not just the recent wars." She added: "My son's name is in the Hall of Memory. Does this mean anything? We've got to have a collection for Remembrance Day whether they like it or not." Carol Jones asked councillors if it meant anything to them that her son's name was in the Hall of Memory Opposition Labour leader Sir Albert Bore said: "I am calling on the officers, the Tory and Lib Dem leaders and everyone else involved to join with me in making sure this problem is sorted, that common sense prevails and that the British Legion get a satisfactory outcome." Birmingham City Council, which is run by a Liberal Democrat and Conservative coalition, said the rules had not changed but it was now following a first-come-first-served policy. A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: "Between 29th October and 13th November, The Royal British Legion has permission to make charitable collections across the whole, or the major part of Birmingham every day. This includes the city centre on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday." It said the legion had not submitted a formal complaint or appeal. Chairman of the licensing committee Bruce Lines, who raised the issue at a council meeting on Tuesday, said: "Unfortunately they are unable to overturn that decision as it would be unlawful." He said the legion had to take responsibility for not making an earlier application. The legion said there had been no formal deadline. "They have got 10 consecutive days to work in the city centre, and it's only on a few days when they are excluded from a couple of streets," Mr Lines added. He said in light of public reaction, the charity licensing policy would be reviewed in the future.
Leicester Lass Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 It's been massively exaggerated by the press (surprise, surprise). The 'ban' applies to a couple of streets only, and Birmingham is a pretty big place. That's not to say I agree with the policy in this case, but it's a mountain out of a molehill situation in my opinion.
acooling08 Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Bet they wouldn't dare to ban a muslim handing out Korans. I'm not saying they should ban that either; both should be absolutely allowed, but I'm just saying the Council wouldn't dare ban an ethnic minority cause. Disgraceful really, I'd ignore the council and sell them anyway.
Zingari Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 i'm not worried by this , i still have the one i bought back in 1993 and i still wear it with pride every year people don't look after their property these days , it's become a throwaway society
21st Century Fox Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Bet they wouldn't dare to ban a muslim handing out Korans. I'm not saying they should ban that either; both should be absolutely allowed, but I'm just saying the Council wouldn't dare ban an ethnic minority cause. Disgraceful really, I'd ignore the council and sell them anyway. Whats that got to do with red tape? or are you trying to sensationalise one subject into another?
The Doctor Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Can't see the massive fuss myself, yes it's a rather "important" day in terms of the armed forces but I think it's clear the nation doesn't actually care since they seem to need to play on Nov 11th's history in order to collect for charity. Besides that article says Oxfam (a far more worthwhile charity) have given the RBL the chance to collect on the 5th instead, rather than Oxfam collecting - so this is really a complete non-story and the RBL need to stop ****ing whining. Oh, and collecting to allow the homeless a better standard of living is more important than collecting for the RBL IMO. Also acooling - what the **** does that have to do with this? You keep bitching about ethnic minorities but, quite frankly, they are of far more use to this country than you are.
accessory Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Council reverses poppy ban Glad to see common sense eventually prevailed. Certain papers would have foamed at the mouth if a Labour council had suggested this..
The Year Of The Fox Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Can't see the massive fuss myself, yes it's a rather "important" day in terms of the armed forces but I think it's clear the nation doesn't actually care since they seem to need to play on Nov 11th's history in order to collect for charity. Besides that article says Oxfam (a far more worthwhile charity) have given the RBL the chance to collect on the 5th instead, rather than Oxfam collecting - so this is really a complete non-story and the RBL need to stop ****ing whining. Oh, and collecting to allow the homeless a better standard of living is more important than collecting for the RBL IMO. Also acooling - what the **** does that have to do with this? You keep bitching about ethnic minorities but, quite frankly, they are of far more use to this country than you are. Fukin hell, you numpty. Most homeless are servicemen anyway. The RBL probably help almost as much as Oxfam at getting homeless off the street. As for saying people don't care, I find its only people with your attitude who don't care and aren't appreciative of what vets have done for us. That's despite them giving you the free and open democratic society you claim to love. I'll refrain from posting on this thread again as its sanctimonious tossers like you who really rile me.
The Doctor Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Fukin hell, you numpty. Most homeless are servicemen anyway. The RBL probably help almost as much as Oxfam at getting homeless off the street. As for saying people don't care, I find its only people with your attitude who don't care and aren't appreciative of what vets have done for us. That's despite them giving you the free and open democratic society you claim to love. I'll refrain from posting on this thread again as its sanctimonious tossers like you who really rile me. Care to back that up with some sort of statistics, or are you just exaggerating for effect? Also, I do appreciate what SOME vets have done - I appreciate the work done by the vets of the two world wars in protecting Europe from fascism, but other vets - what have they actually done for our society? They're trained men and women that have actively chosen to fight whatever wars (usually completely unnecessary) the government decide to start (as opposed to those conscripted into the forces during WWI & WWII), why should I respect and appreciate their work? Do fire-fighters, doctors and policemen get the same respect and national appreciation? Finally, you seem to have missed the point entirely with regards to people caring - if people actually cared strongly about the work RBL does, then they would be actively contributing to the RBL all year round, rather than the RBL just carting themselves out for Remembrance Sunday and having to play on peoples emotions to collect money for their work.
FoxyPV Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 i'm not worried by this , i still have the one i bought back in 1993 and i still wear it with pride every year people don't look after their property these days , it's become a throwaway society . This is a mountain out of a molehill story. I'm surprised the Daily Telegraph hasn't got wind of this and thrown in something to do with Diana to get the centre right press baying for blood.
The Year Of The Fox Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 RBL focus mainly on the WW2 vets, as far as I am aware. No I don't have figures to back me up (too late at night to be bothered) though I'm positive its a fact. Id say the RBL 'carting' it out every year probably raises more money than those going all year round. I didn't miss your point, I understood it, and agree with it, but when you have your own 'not bothered attitude' yourself, why do you think other people aren't bothered anymore? Sorry but its people with your view who demean the value of the charity, not the charity demeaning its own value. No firefighters and doctors etc don't get as much recognition publicly, but they get recognised financially. oh and they are allowed to strike. A freedom earnt by vets
The Year Of The Fox Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Edit- also, not all ww1 and ww2 vets were conscripts. Some of them were regular army who were signed up before any hint of war, who wanted to kill for a living. Of course, these are not worthy of your recognition though.
acooling08 Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Care to back that up with some sort of statistics, or are you just exaggerating for effect? Also, I do appreciate what SOME vets have done - I appreciate the work done by the vets of the two world wars in protecting Europe from fascism, but other vets - what have they actually done for our society? They're trained men and women that have actively chosen to fight whatever wars (usually completely unnecessary) the government decide to start (as opposed to those conscripted into the forces during WWI & WWII), why should I respect and appreciate their work? Do fire-fighters, doctors and policemen get the same respect and national appreciation? Finally, you seem to have missed the point entirely with regards to people caring - if people actually cared strongly about the work RBL does, then they would be actively contributing to the RBL all year round, rather than the RBL just carting themselves out for Remembrance Sunday and having to play on peoples emotions to collect money for their work. Why do charity cases have to done something for our society to warrant our help? I'm sure starving Africans have contributed nothing, as have children with cancer. Are they not worthy your money either? Your arguments are laughable! Just because the RBL have a special time of collection nobody cares about them? What about Live Aid, Children in Need day etc?
Yojoe36 Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 What a disgrace. Clearly those running the homeless charity are right lefty do gooders. They should cancel their stuff for remembrance day. Tossers
somebum Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Care to back that up with some sort of statistics, or are you just exaggerating for effect? Also, I do appreciate what SOME vets have done - I appreciate the work done by the vets of the two world wars in protecting Europe from fascism, but other vets - what have they actually done for our society? They're trained men and women that have actively chosen to fight whatever wars (usually completely unnecessary) the government decide to start (as opposed to those conscripted into the forces during WWI & WWII), why should I respect and appreciate their work? Do fire-fighters, doctors and policemen get the same respect and national appreciation? Finally, you seem to have missed the point entirely with regards to people caring - if people actually cared strongly about the work RBL does, then they would be actively contributing to the RBL all year round, rather than the RBL just carting themselves out for Remembrance Sunday and having to play on peoples emotions to collect money for their work. Right on
21st Century Fox Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 What a disgrace. Clearly those running the homeless charity are right lefty do gooders. They should cancel their stuff for remembrance day. Tossers
acooling08 Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 And Al you just got backed up by Somebum. What further proof do you need that you're being an idiot?
The Year Of The Fox Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 *sorry I meant to put most homeless people are EX servicemen. My point still stands though
somebum Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 And Al you just got backed up by Somebum. What further proof do you need that you're being an idiot? Solid reasoning there fcukhead.
accessory Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 . This is a mountain out of a molehill story. I'm surprised the Daily Telegraph hasn't got wind of this and thrown in something to do with Diana to get the centre right press baying for blood. The story was killed LAST WEEK, something the thread starter and various other posters don't seem to have grasped. But some folk clearly prefer ignorance over intelligence.
gazfox9 Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Care to back that up with some sort of statistics, or are you just exaggerating for effect? Also, I do appreciate what SOME vets have done - I appreciate the work done by the vets of the two world wars in protecting Europe from fascism, but other vets - what have they actually done for our society? They're trained men and women that have actively chosen to fight whatever wars (usually completely unnecessary) the government decide to start (as opposed to those conscripted into the forces during WWI & WWII), why should I respect and appreciate their work? Do fire-fighters, doctors and policemen get the same respect and national appreciation? Finally, you seem to have missed the point entirely with regards to people caring - if people actually cared strongly about the work RBL does, then they would be actively contributing to the RBL all year round, rather than the RBL just carting themselves out for Remembrance Sunday and having to play on peoples emotions to collect money for their work. No, but they do get a far superior salary, together with a nice big pension.
Trav Le Bleu Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 Most homeless people are youngsters who have run away from home and drug-users/alcoholics who have been cast aside by friends and family. I deliver to a homeless shelter everyday and I've never seen anyone who I would think was an ex-serviceman. Not saying that they don't exist - I'm sure the trauma of war can make it difficult for some people to reintegrate into society - but they certainly are NOT the majority.
accessory Posted 19 September 2011 Posted 19 September 2011 No, but they do get a far superior salary, together with a nice big pension. A pension which the government is now in the process of slashing .
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.