The BBC has defended presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty after viewers complained they weren’t wearing poppies for the majority of BBC Breakfast on Friday.
Just one day after the corporation apologised for its botched slides during Boris Johnson’s lockdown announcement on Saturday, a spokesperson explained the duo had been wearing their poppies earlier than official guidelines dictated.
As a result, Charlie and Naga removed the accessory just minutes into the episode. The BBC states this was not intended to be disrespectful.
‘Every year the BBC agrees dates between which, for those wishing to do so, poppies may be worn on screen,’ the BBC said.
‘This year Remembrance Sunday occurs on November 8th and Armistice Day on Wednesday November 11th.
‘Therefore the BBC has advised that poppies may be worn on-screen, by those who wish to do so, from 6am on Saturday October 31st.
‘This enables consistency across all BBC output and is in line with a number of other major public bodies and public figures.’
The BBC continued: ‘Naga and Charlie were wearing theirs earlier than the guidance outlined, which is why they were removed, and there was no intention to appear disrespectful.
‘The following morning, Saturday 31st October, Naga and Charlie were wearing poppies in line with the guidance.’
The red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future and they are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community.
Wearing a poppy is still a very personal choice, reflecting individual experiences and personal memories. It is never compulsory but is greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support.
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One.