Poppies 'can be worn from today'
The defence secretary has written to ministers which advice about when to wear poppies.
There has been some confusion among MPs about when they should start to wear the iconic symbols of remembrance.
One member was spotted wearing a poppy as early as last week - traditionalist Tories such as Bob Stewart insist they should not be worn before November.
Collection boxes and poppies for sale have appeared across the estate since Monday, ahead of today's official launch of the Royal British Legion’s campaign.
The Spectator's Coffee House blog reveals that Philip Hammond sent a note to ministers informing them that "while there was no definitive view on when it was appropriate to start wearing one, that Thursday from noon would be a good time as that would coincide with the launch".
The RBL has announced a £40 million fundraising goal for 2011 in its most ambitious campaign ever.
To mark its 90th anniversary year, the Legion launched its Poppy Appeal under the slogan of standing "shoulder to shoulder with all who serve."
The theme is backed by an online campaign and a chart-destined official single recorded by Robin Gibb and The Soldiers.
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