Ukip candidate used poppy for cheap political ends claims the Legion
Ukip has been slammed for using the symbol of the poppy for “crass partisan ends” by the British Legion.
Andrew Charalambous, Ukip parliamentary candidate for North East Cambridgeshire used the poppy in a campaign advert alongside the slogan “Don’t let their sacrifice be in vain” – imploring undecided voters to vote Ukip and not SNP.
The poppy, according to the Royal British Legion, is a registered trademark and should not be used in political campaigns.
A spokesman for the Royal British Legion said: “The Legion red poppy is the registered trademark and device of The Royal British Legion and its only lawful use is the support of our charity and poppy appeal.
“The poppy is entirely non-political, non-partisan, and non-sectarian, and its use in this context is entirely unacceptable. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again.
“We greatly regret and deplore that the universal symbol of valour and sacrifice has been tainted for crass partisan ends by this electoral candidate.”
Charalambous is the national housing and environment spokesman for Ukip. He stood as a candidate for the Conservative Party in 2010 in the constituency of Edmonton where he came second.
He then changed party allegiance to Ukip and represented the party in the Feltham and Heston by-election in 2011.
Last year it was revealed that his Facebook claimed he held a degree and a professorship at an unaccredited academic institution.
A spokesman for Ukip said: “Mr Charalambous is embarrassed and deeply apologetic that he used the Royal British Legion’s poppy in his advertisement.”
