After more than 15 years of providing free transport for veterans attending Remembrance Sunday commemorations in London, the volunteer-run Poppy Cabs initiative has rebranded as Cabs for Veterans. The change was forced after the Royal British Legion challenged the service's use of the word 'Poppy' in its name and logo, citing intellectual property rights.
Origins and Mission
Founded in 2009 by a small group of London licensed taxi drivers, the initiative provides free transport across the capital on Remembrance Sunday. Volunteer cab drivers give up their time and use their taxis to ensure veterans can travel safely between mainline railway stations, military clubs, the Cenotaph, and other commemorative events across London. Over the years, the service has become a cherished part of the nation's remembrance activities.
The Dispute with the Royal British Legion
In 2025, the Royal British Legion raised objections to the use of 'Poppy' in the service's name and logo. Despite discussions between the Legion and Poppy Cabs coordinator Mike Hughes, an agreement could not be reached. Consequently, the initiative was rebranded as Cabs for Veterans in July 2026.
Mike Hughes, coordinator of Cabs for Veterans, said: "This has been incredibly upsetting for everyone involved. Poppy Cabs has become a much-loved and respected part of Remembrance Sunday, and having to change a name that means so much to so many people has been heartbreaking." He added: "We have always had enormous respect for the Royal British Legion and the incredible work it does supporting the Armed Forces community. We have never seen ourselves as working against the Legion - quite the opposite. We have shared the same goal of supporting veterans and helping them take part in the nation's Remembrance commemorations. Donations have also raised thousands of pounds for both the Royal British Legion and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans."
Continuity of Service
Despite the name change, the core mission remains unchanged. Hughes emphasised: "While our name is changing, everything else remains exactly the same. Our wonderful volunteer taxi drivers will continue to give their time freely, and we will continue to ensure veterans can travel with dignity to the events that mean so much to them."
The new name, Cabs for Veterans, reflects the initiative's sole purpose: providing free transport on Remembrance Sunday for those who have served their country. Every year, hundreds of veterans rely on the service, with volunteer London taxi drivers covering thousands of miles to ensure no veteran misses commemorative events due to transport difficulties.
Volunteer Efforts and Future Call
The initiative relies entirely on licensed London taxi drivers who volunteer both their time and their taxis, along with the invaluable support of friends and family members who help coordinate veterans and assist with transport throughout the day. As Cabs for Veterans prepares for this year's Remembrance Sunday, organisers are once again calling on licensed London taxi drivers and volunteers to help continue a tradition that has become an important part of the nation's commemorations.
Hughes concluded: "The name may have changed, but our mission has not. We remain as committed as ever to ensuring that every veteran who wishes to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday can do so with the dignity, comfort and respect they deserve." For further information or to volunteer, visit www.cabs-for-veterans.uk.
