A Royal British Legion poppy stall has been forced to move away from the entrance of a Tesco store after online attacks. The affected poppy stall had been set up at the front of the store in Newry, Northern Ireland, but has now been moved to the shop floor.
This comes after a hardline republican group – Saoradh – posted on social media, branding the poppy appeal an insult to the victims of British militarism and a provocation to the Irish people.”
The post added that the poppy is a “blood-stained symbol” that shows support for “serving members of the British war machine, including those stationed on Irish soil and those who colluded with loyalist death squads to murder Irish citizens”.
They demanded that all stores hosting poppy stalls “immediately remove such offensive displays, otherwise local Republicans may have no choice but to seek to take action to ensure they are removed.”
After the stall was moved, the group posted online saying this showed the “strength and determination of local people.”
The post concluded: “Whether it stands at the entrance or in a corner, it remains a blood-soaked symbol of British imperialism and it will be opposed wherever it appears.”
Speaking to the Irish News, Newry Ulster Unionist councillor David Taylor maintained that the poppy appeal will “always receive strong support from people across the community.”
He also condemned the online posts as “extremely sinister in nature and something I have spoken to police directly about.”
Mr Taylor continued: “I welcome the fact that Tesco’s have not bowed to any threats or pressure from republicans and that the stall remains in a very prominent position within the store.
“I would encourage the local community in the Newry area to continue their ongoing strong support for the Poppy Appeal and the vital work undertaken by the Royal British Legion.”
A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said police were “aware of online comments”, adding: “Neighbourhood officers are conducting enquiries into the matter.”
A Tesco spokesperson said the Newry Tesco branch “is one of many Tesco stores across the UK currently hosting poppy sellers, and its poppy stall is visible and accessible to all shoppers wishing to donate”.
A Royal British Legion spokesperson said: “We are aware of comments made on social media and that PSNI has been informed, therefore it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”