Remembrance Day 2022: Peterborough MP decorates city streets with 200 poppies as mark of respect for war heroes

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow has been busy over the past week adorning lampposts across the city’s streets with large street poppies as a mark of respect for all of the men and women that have given their lives in conflicts.

Mr Bristow has teamed up with the city’s branch of the Royal British Legion and has been fundraising the costs of each poppy along with his team.

Founder of local charity the Zi Foundation, Zillur Hussain has donated £600 to the Royal British Legion as part of the project.

Local businessmen, councillors and members of the public have been getting in touch with Mr Bristow and his team to sponsor individual lampposts.

Mr Bristow said: “Lamppost poppies are a great way to brighten up Peterborough in time for Remembrance Sunday and I have been given 200 by the great gang from the Royal British Legion in Peterborough and I will have been busy getting them up around Peterborough.

I have been amazed at how people have come together to support this effort. I have been overwhelmed with positivity about this effort. A special thanks go to Zillur Hussain who has pledged £600 which will go straight to the legion.

“We must never forget the sacrifice so many gave for our freedom.”

Mr Hussain said: “It was my pleasure to support the Royal British Legion and pledge £600 this year. I just love the lamppost poppies and can’t wait to get them up near my restaurant and home.

“We sometimes forget that people from all over the world fought for the UK, especially in World War II; including many from my native Bangladesh. There are strong links between Bangladesh and the UK. Their sacrifice is also part of our country’s story.

“The legion does fabulous work supporting veterans and keeping their sacrifice alive.”

Mr Bristow’s team will then remove poppies after the period of remembrance has passed.