Why doesn’t Kevin McGuire wear a poppy?
KEVIN McGuire has come under fire for not wearing a poppy during an appearance on TV.
The journalist made a point of not fastening the iconic symbol of remembrance to his clothing. Here we take a look at his reasons for doing this.
On October 29, 2024, Kevin McGuire addressed why he chose not to wear a poppy during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
The Poppy Appeal launched on October 26, 2024, and as a mark of respect, anyone appearing on television will wear one of the iconic poppies.
But whilst appearing on GMB as part of guest panel, one was noticeably absent from Mark’s shirt, while everyone else was wearing one.
Presenter Charlotte Hawkins quizzed him about why he chose not to wear the mark of respect, and said: “Just before we go, Kevin, viewers have noticed that you’re not wearing a poppy.
“I know this is something we’ve addressed in previous years but would you like to explain your decision, why you don’t wear a poppy?”
Kevin’s response
Kevin then went onto to reveal his decision to not wear a poppy, was purely down to timing.
The journalist explained how people in his family had fought in the war and how members continued to serve in the forces.
He added: “If I wear a poppy, I always make a donation. If I wear a poppy I’ll wear it in the week of Remembrance Sunday, not before.
“That’s what I do, it’s become elongated now and the ‘poppy police‘ every year go around pointing the finger.”
Kevin also revealed how if viewers were to go into their own workplace, most people wouldn’t be wearing a poppy.
He added: “It’s not because they’re disrespectful, it’s that they’ll have a different tradition of when they wear them or if they wear them.”
However, Andrew Pierce, who was also on the programme, condemned Kevin’s decision.
He said: “I disagree. I think you should wear it as early as possible to promote it, to make people aware of it and to pay tribute.
“As early as possible.”
Viewers’ reaction
GMB viewers were quick to share their own thoughts on social media on Kevin not wearing a poppy.
One person said: “Why question if someone has a poppy on or not it’s a personal choice.”
Another commented: “You can’t be asking people why they don’t wear a poppy on live TV. I don’t like that at all!”
Under fire before
This isn’t the first time Kevin has come under fire for not wearing a poppy.
In 2022, he caused a similar stir while appearing on the Jeremy Vine Show.
Kevin decided to shun wearing a poppy on-screen, and fans weren’t happy.
Taking to X/Twitter, one fan questioned: “Why isn’t Kevin Maguire wearing a poppy?”
Another commented: “No surprise to see lefty lowlife Maguire not wearing a poppy.”
A third raged online, writing: “@JeremyVineOn5 Can you ask the Geordie who pretends not to be a Geordie, where his poppy is please.”
As a fourth simply asked: “Why isn’t @Kevin_Maguire wearing a poppy?”
How to donate to the poppy appeal
Following the First World War, the poppy was then adopted as a symbol of remembrance.
Money raised by the Poppy Appeal go towards funding the Royal British Legion’s work in supporting the armed forces community, serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
Remembrance Day always takes place on November 11.
Though the paper poppies are the most widely recognised, you can also buy poppy badges in silk, felt, sterling silver and many other variations.
Poppies are on sale with a suggested donation of £1, but you’ll also spot volunteers collecting money for the Poppy Appeal on high streets all over the country.
You can make a one-off donation online, set up a regular gift or even leave a sum in your will.
You can donate by calling 0845 845 1945 or by sending a text message.
- To donate £2 text POPPY2 to 70545
- To donate £5 text POPPY5 to 70545
- To donate £10 text POPPY10 to 70545
Texts cost £2, £5, or £10 plus your standard network rate and the appeal receives 100% of your donation.
You can also print off a donation form to send money in the post.
The Royal British Legion hopes to raise £53million this year to help ex-soldiers.