Mayor’s swell of support in wake of criticism over white poppy for peace
SHEFFIELD’S LORD Mayor Magid Magid has attracted a swell of support after being criticised for wearing a white poppy as a peace symbol, rather than a red poppy, at the city’s Armistice service.
Magid Magid said he wears a white poppy out of principle but Angela Smith, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, claimed his choice was inappropriate.
Sheffield Council said it was “normal protocol” for its mayor to wear a red poppy, while the Royal British Legion said there is no right or wrong way to wear one. Mr Magid told The Yorkshire
Post the white poppy represents “an unwavering commitment to peace” founded upon the idea of ‘‘Never Again’’, a concept that he said is “extremely pertinent especially today when bombs and missiles made in Britain continue to cause havoc and ruin in Yemen, Palestine and elsewhere”.
He added: “War is destructive and devastating. That is why I... have always worn a white poppy... I wear my white poppy as a matter of personal principle and consistency for all it represents, and in solidarity with all who are intimidated and bullied for practising their values and beliefs.”
But Ms Smith MP, who attended a service in Barnsley, tweeted: “Relieved I didn’t have to witness the behaviour of a Lord Mayor who forgets he is the city’s first citizen. He was not there to represent his own views.”
Many others leapt to his defence, such as @M_caveman who tweeted: “I admire him for setting an example of sticking to his principles.” And @Book_Of_Eleanor posted: “I’m a citizen of Sheffield and he represented me perfectly.”