David Cameron And Parliamentary Leaders Consider Tower Of London Poppy Display Extension
The display of poppies at the Tower of London has generated quite a buzz in the United Kingdom and has caused several politicians, including Prime Minister David Cameron, to call for an extension of the display.
According to BBC News, the Prime Minister has entered the debate on whether the Tower of London’s field of ceramic poppies should remain beyond Armistice Day. London’s mayor Boris Johnson suggested the huge popularity of the memorial to British soldiers meant it could be kept for longer than planned.
But artist Paul Cummins said he would rather his creation not stay in place beyond November 12.
The Evening Standard has reported that the magnificent display of poppies is due to start being dismantled by 8,000 volunteers on Wednesday, a day after the Armistice Day commemorations.
The Inquisitr noted that the 900,000 poppies were used to fill the Tower of London Moat to mark the anniversary of World War I.
Tower of #London moat filled with 900,000 poppies to mark end of World War 1 pic.twitter.com/FR8iq55pPk
— The Inquisitr (@theinquisitr) October 28, 2014
David Cameron’s spokesperson said, “Like millions of people across the country, the PM has been hugely impressed by the poppy display, it has been a moving and powerful tribute to our fallen heroes.”
Labour leader Ed Miliban also added his voice in recognizing the significance of the poppy display.
“The poppy field at the Tower of London has captured public imagination in a truly incredible way. Many thousands of people from all walks of life have been inspired to visit, reflect and remember. I hope that a way can be found to extend this remarkable exhibition, and ensure that many more members of the public get the chance to pay their own personal tributes and see this extraordinary sight.”
According to the Telegraph, the Prime Minister was joined by Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, Nigel Farage the Ukip leader, and Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, all backed calls for the Royal Palace officials to keep the poppies in the moat for at least another week.
Downing Street is now in talks with London’s City Hall and Royal Palace officials, who are in charge of the memorial, to find a way to ensure more people can witness this extraordinary spectacle.
Already four million people have seen the installation with thousands flocking to see the poppies each day. An e-petition has been launched to offer the memorial that last night neared 20,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000 thousand the issue could be debated in Parliament.
The memorial installation, which is called Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, is the work of artist Mr. Cummins, from Derbyshire, and thousands of volunteers.
[Photo Credit: Geoff Pugh/The Telegraph]
