Swale Borough Council in Kent has faced criticism for instructing a local taxi firm, iCars, to remove Remembrance poppies and 'Lest We Forget' signs from its vehicles. The directive was issued by a licensing officer on Monday, who cited the council's policy on advertising after a single complaint was lodged.
Neil McLennan, the owner of iCars, stated that the magnetic stickers, which feature military vehicles and the phrase 'Lest We Forget,' and the poppies had been displayed on some of his 11 cabs for approximately four years. McLennan was reportedly told that the items constituted unpermitted advertising. Swale's licensing policy permits only the display of the company's telephone number, email address, and fleet car number along the bottom of the rear window, prohibiting any other form of advertising.
McLennan expressed his disbelief and disgust at the instruction, noting that he had explained the items were meant to raise awareness for the Royal British Legion. He complied with the order within ten minutes but informed the council of his intention to publicize the incident. He also mentioned that the stickers and names on the cabs were sometimes used to help identify vehicles for passengers with dementia, learning difficulties, or other disabilities, although the council has since withdrawn its demand regarding the name stickers.
Several figures have spoken out against the council's decision. Councillor Richard Palmer, a former soldier, called the directive 'absolutely disgraceful' and stated he was writing to council chiefs to demand an explanation, adding that the council should apologize. MP Kevin McKenna also criticized the council's actions, calling them 'disgraceful' and highlighting iCars' long-standing support for the cause and its service to the community. McKenna has written to the council urging them to reverse the decision.
A council spokesperson acknowledged that the licensing team had previously allowed the display of the poppy and Royal British Legion sticker. However, following the complaint, they reviewed the use against their policy, which does not permit such items. The spokesperson emphasized that the issue is not with the poppy or the Royal British Legion, which the council supports, but with the policy violation triggered by the complaint. The council has since withdrawn the demand for the name stickers to be removed and is scheduling a licensing sub-committee meeting to discuss a potential exemption request from iCars. The policy itself will also be reviewed at the next licensing committee meeting to ensure clarity on the matter.
The incident has generated considerable public reaction online, with many expressing dismay at the council's actions and questioning who might be offended by displays of respect for service members.