Council under fire for ordering taxi firm to take Remembrance poppies and 'Lest We Forget' signs off its vehicles

A council has come under fire for ordering a taxi firm to take Remembrance poppies and 'Lest We Forget' signs off its vehicles. Swale Borough Council in Kent contacted iCars boss Neil McLennan on Monday to tell him to ditch the items honouring those who served in the armed forces.A licensing officer gave the order following a single complaint about advertising on Mr McLennan's wheelchair accessible cab - telling him he was using unpermitted 'advertising'. A magnetic sticker, featuring military vehicles, a Union Flag and the phrase 'Lest We Forget' was under the rear number plate, while the poppy was on the grill of the Ford Freedom, named Connie. Mr McLennan, 55, said he was stunned by the instruction, adding that the stickers and poppies have been on some of his 11 cabs for around four years.'I was in disbelief when I received the phone call. I just thought it was ridiculous and I was disgusted,' he said. The father-of-three said he tried to explain the items were in place to raise awareness for the Royal British Legion (RBL), but the council officer would not budge.Swale's rules state that cabs are allowed to display the company telephone number, email address and fleet car number along the bottom of the rear window. No other advertising, including radio stickers, football stickers or any other signs are permitted. Swale Borough Council contacted iCars boss Neil McLennan (left) to tell him to ditch Remembrance poppies and 'Lest We Forget' signs on his vehicles Mr McLennan, who started his business 11 years ago after working as a taxi driver himself, said: 'We took them off 10 minutes after the call but told the council I was going to go public with what they had told me.'It's shameful. I am not a veteran but feel strongly about supporting those who have fought to protect us. That came from when I met veteran Simon Weston [who was badly burnt in the Falklands Conflict].'Councillor Richard Palmer said he is writing to council chiefs demanding an urgent explanation.He served as a soldier in Northern Ireland and said he felt offended by the decision.'It is absolutely disgraceful that a council would order people to remove such things which honour those who served. The council should apologise,' he said. Meanwhile, MP Kevin McKenna said: 'Veterans gave so much to defend the freedoms we enjoy today, so it is disgraceful Swale Council is asking iCars to remove the poppy from its taxi fleet.'iCars has proudly supported this cause for three years, while doing incredible work for the Island, providing an important, reliable taxi service for everyone and an invaluable service for people with disabilities.'They do not deserve to be penalised in this way. I have written to the council urging them to reverse this decision, and I'll be doing everything I can to help find a fair resolution.'Along with the poppies and RBL stickers, Mr McLennan was also told to peel off names from his cabs. These are used to make it easier for people with dementia, learning difficulties or disabilities to know what car is picking them up. A poppy is seen at the front of one of Mr McLennan's vehicles in Kent 'The council should change their policies so the RBL stickers and poppies are allowed. I hope they see sense and reverse their mad decision,' he said. 'I would like to know why someone complained. I would ask them what their problem is with supporting our veterans?'The council has now withdrawn its demand for the name stickers to be removed.A spokesman said: 'Our licensing team has been allowing the use of the poppy and Royal British Legion sticker on iCars' taxis.'However, following a complaint, we checked the use against our policy, and it is not permitted under our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.'The policy was most recently updated and agreed in 2025 by our licensing committee and policy and resources committee, following a public consultation which included feedback from the taxi industry.'The issue is not about the poppy or the Royal British Legion, which the council supports, but the fact that we received a complaint that the vehicle was not complying with our policy.'We are aware that iCars has removed the sticker and poppy, and we are scheduling a licensing sub-committee meeting to discuss [its] request for an exemption from policy.'The next licensing committee meeting will also look at the policy to make sure that there is clarity on this issue.'A Facebook post from Mr McLennan about the matter received hundreds of comments. Jamie Collins said: 'Swale Council should be focusing on giving people better services rather than worrying if some people may be offended. Who exactly would be offended?'Jackie Constable said: '[It's] disgraceful that someone has complained. This is not an advertisement; it's showing respect to those who fought for our freedom. [It's] so wrong on every level.'And Wendy Hiller added: 'Disgraceful request by the council. Let's hope this gets resolved and poppies go back on your vehicles. Why has the council stated this is advertising?'