BBC responds to complaints over 'BBC Breakfast' hosts removing poppies during show

The BBC has explained why BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt removed remembrance poppies they were wearing during last Friday's show.

While both presenters were seen wearing a poppy at the beginning of the programme they were nowhere to be seen mere minutes later, prompting some to complain.

The broadcaster has said there is a specific window when poppies may be worn on screen according to their internal guidelines, and that when the pair sported one on the Friday 30 October programme they were slightly too early.

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The response read: "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 6 am 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.

"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.

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"The following morning, Saturday 31st October, Naga and Charlie were wearing poppies in line with the guidance."

While England may be preparing for going into a second lockdown on Thursday, Downing Street has said Remembrance Sunday events will still be able to go ahead providing social distancing measures are in place.

A national ceremony at the Cenotaph in London is also set to take place on 8 November.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s important that the country can continue to come together to remember the sacrifice of those who have died in the service of their country and we will ensure that Remembrance Sunday is appropriately commemorated while protecting public health.”

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