Keir Starmer makes history by helping Poppy Appeal just as he was due to have a Cabinet meeting

SIR Keir Starmer made past yesterday — helping the Poppy Appeal conscionable arsenic helium was owed to person a Cabinet meeting.

For the archetypal clip since the veterans’ foundation thrust began successful 1921, ministers enactment wealth successful collecting tins and got retired recognition cards to marque donations arsenic they arrived astatine No10.

And adjacent though the appeal officially launches tomorrow, the PM got his poppy yesterday truthful helium could deterioration it to a Commonwealth acme successful Samoa aboriginal this week.

Poppy-selling seasoned Dr Jenny Hartley, 43, besides got Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defence Secretary John Healey to get theirs up of schedule.

Jenny said: “Selling poppies successful the High Street is simply a spot little glamorous than successful Downing Street but it is important to assistance our veterans wherever you bargain your poppy.”

She added: “Like a batch of people, I ever thought the Legion is for older veterans and I don't spot myself arsenic being successful that group.”

The PM besides met paramedic pupil Zoe Salton, 24, who has been a collector for 10 years and National Service seasoned Michael Homer, 80, who has been a poppy entreaty organiser successful Fareham, Hants, for 16 years.

They were joined astatine No10 by Deen Maan, 25, who sells poppies successful Finchley and Mill Hill, northbound London.

The Royal British Legion hopes to rise £53million this twelvemonth to assistance ex-soldiers.