Spent force

Leaving aside the arguments as to whether or not we need to have a specified day and symbol of remembrance for the country’s war dead, I am appalled that we rely on charitable collections to provide for the needs of disabled ex-servicemen and the upkeep of war memorials.

Surely in a country that has no hesitation in spending tens of billions of pounds annually on weapons of mass destruction and other military hardware (usually made in the USA) the government could afford to pay the relatively small sum of £30 million to the British Legion to provide free of charge poppies to those who wish to wear them?

Surely also when our governments seem so keen on war this is the least they could do.

And in doing so it would save all of those volunteers having to stand in all kinds of inclement autumn weather with their collection tins.

Our governments can afford any amount of money to kill our enemies, but can’t afford to give any money to help the victims of their policies it would seem.

Tom Minogue

Victoria Terrace

Dunfermline