It is time for Britain to have two different types of poppy – or better still, two entirely separate emblems to remember its war dead.

Tomorrow, as the country commemorates those who served and died in its many wars since 1914, the poppy will be the predominant symbol of remembrance.

However, apart from World War II, most of Britain’s wars were unnecessary, unjust or downright illegal.

Those who fought against Nazi Germany should be commemorated and honoured – but those who died in Britain’s other military engagements might best be remembered as pawns sent out to die for British imperial interests abroad.

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These included access to cheap supplies of tea, coffee and cotton (Kenya), tin and rubber (Malaya), oil (Iraq) and strategic naval locations (Aden).

So, Britain needs two separate commemorative emblems because, despite the difference between just and unjust wars, the poppy commemorates both.

Those who battled against oppression in World War II and those who oppressed Britain’s colonial millions since then are unified in death by a single poppy.

It commemorates those who died in every British war, including 83........

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