Rail stations across the UK have seen poppy sellers disappear amid fears of more pro-Palestine protests ahead of Remembrance Day.
It follows a series of incidents last week which saw some volunteers punched and pushed at station hubs.
One British army veteran who was selling poppies at a train station in Edinburgh says he was punched and kicked when pro-Palestine protestors staged a rally.
Jim Henderson, who served with the army in Northern Ireland decided to pack up when the crowds became too busy but was soon pushed over and punched in the back.
Last Tuesday, 500 people gathered at Liverpool Street station in protest against Israel's bombardment of Gaza.
Staff confirmed that sellers would not be returning this year.
Rishi Sunak has now urged Britons to rally round the annual appeal.
“I am appalled that some poppy sellers — many veterans who are the heart of our collective remembrance each year — have experienced intimidation and abuse when volunteering at train stations," he told The Sun.
“The police have my full support to take action against this deplorable behaviour which runs against everything we have fought and stood for as a nation.
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“I, like millions across the UK, will be wearing my poppy with pride this weekend. I urge commuters to take a moment to thank the volunteers who support our brave armed forces and buy a poppy.”
Staff at London Bridge said a lone seller went home after morning rush-hour, adding: “He’s worked his two weeks. It’s all he’s doing.”
Employees at Victoria said there had been no sellers all week.
Poppies were on sale at Charing Cross, Waterloo, Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh Waverley but were nowhere to be seen in Leeds.
Poppies were on sale at Charing Cross, Waterloo, Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh Waverley but were nowhere to be seen in Leeds
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Tory MP and former Veterans Minister Tobias Ellwood added : “No one should feel intimidated when selling poppies.
“Voices across our communities should air their unwavering support for this traditional but so appreciated annual appeal.
“Funds generated over these critical couple of weeks are distributed to so many service-facing charities providing vital support for injured personnel and veterans.”
Former Army chief Lord Richard Dannatt added: “This is an important national activity and should be policed to allow those who fought and fell for our freedom to be remembered with gratitude.”
