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MP steps into poppy row after Kent taxi company says it was FORCED to strip Remembrance tributes from cars
A Kent MP has intervened after taxi operator iCars Swale said it had been forced to remove poppy displays and messages supporting the fallen from its vehicles.
Kevin McKenna, Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, said his team had spoken with the operator and that he would be working to find a resolution to the situation.
The dispute emerged after iCars Swale publicly announced that it had removed vehicle poppies and other displays connected with Remembrance. The company did not identify in its posts who had required their removal or provide details of the rule or decision behind the action.
iCars Swale said: “Royal British Legion it is with great sadness that we have been forced to remove our vehicle poppies and support of our fallen over the years.
“iCars doesn’t agree with this and is disgraced at being forced to do so.
“Please know that despite this you remain in our thoughts and minds all the time, without them, this country wouldn’t be the country it is.”
The operator later expanded on its position, pointing to its participation in local Remembrance events. It said one of its drivers had laid the company’s wreath at Sheerness Cenotaph during the previous Remembrance Day commemorations.
The company said: “This small gesture of a poppy on the front and Lest we forget on our vehicles is a timely reminder to us that everyday we are a free nation and to remind us of what we have, not just annually but always.
“We will continue to attend the cenotaph and play our wreath whatever complaints and decisions are made, for that freedom we will ever be thankful.”
McKenna has now publicly backed efforts to find a solution. The MP said: “My team has spoken with iCars, and I’ll be working hard tomorrow to get this situation resolved.
“iCars do incredible work for the island, providing an important and reliable taxi service for everyone, while also offering an invaluable service to people with disabilities. They do not deserve to be penalised in this way, and I’ll be doing everything I can to help find a fair resolution.”
Licensed taxi and private hire vehicle appearance is commonly controlled through local licensing conditions. Operators and drivers can face restrictions over signs, advertising, notices and other material displayed on licensed vehicles, although the precise requirements differ between licensing authorities.
The company refers to a possible complaint being made direct to the licensing authority on the addition of the poppies.
With the local MP now involved, attention will turn to whether an agreement can be reached that allows iCars Swale to display its Remembrance tribute while continuing to comply with the requirements governing its licensed vehicles.
