The poppy is a symbol of remembrance for all soldiers; English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh who made the ultimate sacrifice. Soldiers do not start conflicts and Wars, politicians do.
Therefore making political statements against the poppy is ludicrous. I saluted at the Argentinian war graves in the Falklands and paid respects when I visited German war graves. Making a point about the poppy is akin to blaming a car in a hit and run while letting the driver walk free.
As someone else mentioned, it's not exclusive to British and Irish troops, but all of the commonwealth. At least those commonwealth countries that participated in WWI and WWII.
I'm speaking in particular of the contribution of Canadian (as I am Canadian) soldiers, that fought in both WWI and WWII.
Something I've noticed since I've lived in England, is that Remembrance Day isn't quite the same as it is in Canada. Many people still observe the traditions, but it doesn't seem to be as deeply woven in the social make-up of the country. I've always found it galling that Remembrance Day isn't a national holiday in the UK, as it is in Canada. This gives everyone the time to show real appreciation for what was sacrificed, by those soldiers fighting for the freedom that we take for granted today. Every Canadian child growing up post WWI was taught the poem, In Flanders Fields, by Canadian military doctor and artillery commander Major John McCrae:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
