David Lammy forgets Remembrance symbol as he fills in for Starmer
While substituting for Keir Starmer in the House of Commons, Justice Secretary David Lammy began the Prime Minister's Questions session with a solemn tribute to those who fought to defend freedom. However, he drew attention when it became clear he had forgotten to wear a poppy — a key symbol of Remembrance ahead of Sunday’s commemorations.
About fifteen minutes into the session, Deputy Prime Minister Lammy was discreetly handed a poppy pin by Cabinet colleague Bridget Phillipson. This helped him recover from the oversight while most MPs were already displaying the emblem.
"I bought a new suit this morning because my Godmother said she would be watching," he told the Commons.
He added 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 criticised the incident, calling it "a disgrace" that Lammy stood in for Sir Keir at PMQs without a poppy.
Author’s Summary
David Lammy forgot to wear a poppy during PMQs, receiving one mid-session from a colleague after notice, prompting public criticism for the oversight.