MP blasts 'absurd' EU compliance rules for poppy sellers in Northern Ireland
Rules requiring poppy sellers in Northern Ireland to have EU signs and stickers on display have been branded absurd by an MP of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Those raising money for the Royal British Legion during Remembrance in the province have been told they must have them due to the post-Brexit agreement.
The charity has informed those selling poppies across Northern Ireland they must display compliance signs when out on the streets raising money.
These EU signs show the sellers are complying with the terms of the post-Brexit deal known as the Windsor Framework.
Under the General Product Safety Regulation, any goods manufactured in Great Britain and sold in Northern Ireland must have a responsible person registered in Northern Ireland to distribute any products.
The sellers have been told they must display paperwork nearby to show these rules have been followed.
Posting on the social media site X, Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann said: "The idea that volunteers need EU compliance paperwork and stickers just to raise funds for veterans and their families is absurd.
"Quite clearly, poppies pose no threat to the EU customs union – common sense must prevail."
He's raising the issue in Parliament and is urging government ministers to remove the requirements.
A spokesperson from The Royal British Legion said: "All Poppy Appeal and Remembrance activity needs to comply with the laws and regulations of the country or local authority where it takes place.
"We have provided guidelines to our volunteers in NI that information regarding compliance with product regulations must be displayed when collecting for the Poppy Appeal.
"We are very grateful to the thousands of volunteers who give their time to support the appeal in Northern Ireland and beyond."
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