VETERANS Minister Johnny Mercer has provoked a storm of protest by telling the public to “ignore” war vets who wear white poppies as a symbol of peace.

Former army captain Mr Mercer described white poppy wearers as “attention-seeking” and accused them of trying to “hijack” the poppy.

Twelve _{military veterans} from the army, air force and navy wrote to Mr Mercer in protest and demanded he apologise.

They said white poppies have been worn since 1933 and that those wearing them include former armed forces personnel.

White poppies are distributed by the Peace Pledge Union (PPU).

In the letter the veterans said: “As veterans, we believe we have the right to choose what colour poppy to wear.

"We suggest that instead of worrying about what poppy someone might wear, as minister for veterans you would be better spending your energy addressing the issues afflicting veterans of all services.

“Veterans are disproportionately represented in the homeless population, in prisons, and with mental-health issues.

“While the state pays for the waging of war, veterans are expected to rely on charity when they return to civilian life.

"In recent years, the government has been cutting the welfare state, on which veterans should be able to rely, while maintaining the seventh-highest military expenditure in the world.”

White poppy remembrance events across Britain yesterday included an alternative remembrance ceremony organised by the PPU and a march to the Cenotaph in London by Veterans for Peace.