Royal British Legion tackles 'racist' critics on social media

The Royal British Legion has hit back at critics, who have been branded 'racist' for objecting to the charity's latest, inclusive Remembrance Day fundraising campaigning.

The campaign attracted criticism on social media for posting a video ahead of Remembrance Sunday featuring a mixed-race family. This showed the family urging people to observe the two minutes silence to remember British service personnel involved in conflict.



But the charity’s focus on equality, diversity and inclusion in the campaign sparked a flood of abuse, that has been described as "racist" by supporters of the charity. Criticism had included posters on Twitter saying they would not donate to the charity due to the campaign. One even said “shame on you” to the charity.

The Royal British Legion’s social media team has responded to much of the criticism online.



This included explaining the importance of inclusion and recognising “all people who have served to protect”.



The advertising campaign also garnered a flood of support from the charity’s supporters, welcoming the charity’s stance to promote inclusion in its fundraising.

One charity supporter, Dan, urged the charity not to be “disheartened by the comments” and hoped the campaign sparked an increase in donations.



Another, Kerrie, urged critics of the charity’s advertising to “be brave” and admit their objections are “because they’re racist”.

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