St John crews told they can wear pacifist white poppy

ST JOHN Ambulance volunteers can wear the pacifist white poppy for the first time after a change in the first aid charity’s rules.

Its dress code stating that the traditional red Royal British Legion (RBL) poppy can be worn on their uniform has been amended so that the colour is no longer specified.

The move, announced as the centenary of the First World War armistice nears, allows the organisation’s 18,000 volunteers to wear the white poppies distributed by the Peace Pledge Union (PPU).

A pacifist group, it calls for ‘remembrance for all victims of war of all nationalities, linked to a focus on peace and a rejection of militarism’. But Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, criticised the decision, saying St John could lose support. He said the white poppy, pictured, seeks to ‘undermine traditional Remembrance’.

The change in policy came after Simone Ramacci, 24, a St John Ambulance volunteer and PPU member, asked to be allowed to wear a white poppy while on duty.

Yesterday Ann Cable, chief volunteer at St John Ambulance, said: ‘The decision to adjust policy did not relate specifically to the white poppy itself but rather it had raised a wider issue about allowing volunteers to mark Remembrance in the way that is most appropriate for them.’

An RBL spokesman said: ‘The red poppy honours all those who have served or fallen, including Commonwealth forces.’