Poppy sales could plateau and potentially fall after fundraisers avoid train stations to avoid pro-Palestine protests.
Poppy sellers are reportedly no longer using some of the UK’s major train stations over fears of protesters.
It comes after several reports of volunteers being shoved at some major transport hubs.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is ‘appalled’ that the volunteers – of whom many are veterans – do not feel safe enough to sell poppies ahead of Remembrance Day.
He has encouraged the country to rally around the poppy appeal ahead of Armistice Day this weekend.
Speaking to the Sun, Mr Sunak said: “I am appalled that some poppy sellers – many veterans who are the heart of our collective remembrance each year – have experienced intimidation and abuse when volunteering at train stations.
“The police have my full support to take action against this deplorable behaviour which runs against everything we have fought and stood for as a nation.
“I, like millions across the UK, will be wearing my poppy with pride this weekend.
“I urge commuters to take a moment to thank the volunteers who support our brave armed forces and buy a poppy.”
In recent weeks poppy sellers have been under pressure because pro-Palestine protesters have been holding sit-ins in major train stations including King’s Cross St Pancras, Liverpool Street, and Brighton Station.
Over the weekend, during an intense day of clashes between police and protesters, there was another massive sit in at Charing Cross station where the poppy sellers were surrounded.
In a statement, the former Veterans Minister Tobias Ellwood said: “No one should feel intimidated when selling poppies.
“Voices across our communities should air their unwavering support for this traditional but so appreciated annual appeal.”
Mr Ellwood added: “Funds generated over these critical couple of weeks are distributed to so many service-facing charities providing vital support for injured personnel and veterans.”
The revelation that poppy sellers are avoiding some major train stations comes just days before Armistice Day on Saturday.
On the day, there is expected to be a million men march through London in solidarity with Palestine.
Environmental protesters Just Stop Oil have also said they have something planned but have not revealed what.
