In a shocking incident, an army veteran poppy seller in Edinburgh was allegedly subjected to physical assault during a sit-in protest by pro-Palestine demonstrators. Jim Henderson, 78, reported being “punched and kicked” as he found himself surrounded by individuals brandishing “Freedom for Palestine” banners at Edinburgh Waverley train station over the weekend.
Henderson, who required assistance to escape the situation, expressed his disbelief at the incident, stating that he had “never known anything like it.” Recounting the harrowing experience, he shared, “I was getting shoved backwards, in danger of falling, and one of them stood on my foot and split my toe. So I thought I had to get the money out of here. So I went down, and as I bent down, someone punched me in the back. And then I got another punch in my side.”
The Royal Corps of Signals veteran, who served in the 32 Signal Regiment in Northern Ireland, managed to regain his footing and exit the station. Reflecting on the ordeal, Henderson expressed his shock at the demonstrators’ behaviour, stating, “I’ve never known anything like it. Chanting. Saying it’s all about the British Government, British people, Jews.” He added, “You don’t do that and kick someone from behind, and that was when I couldn’t get out of the way. That’s when I bent down and… bang.”
Sadly, this was not an isolated incident. Multiple poppy sellers at London’s Charing Cross station also faced intimidation from a group of protesters during the same weekend. In response to these distressing events, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer emphasised that the poppy should not be seen as a political symbol. He urged protesters to express their views elsewhere “without appearing to try to intimidate ordinary citizens trying to collect a bit of cash.”
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among individuals who recognise the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers. It also raises questions about the appropriateness of using public demonstrations to express political views in a way that leads to the harassment and intimidation of others.
