Signers of the petition have been sent an update from Bob Banks, who initiated it. It concerns a response from the British Legion. In the ordinary run of things I would have posted a link to what he says, but for some reason it won't work.

Therefore I've posted his entire message below.

Talk about banging your head against a brick wall!

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British Legion petition reaches 5000: British Legion response

Bob Banks

Derbyshire, United Kingdom

14 Nov 2014 — We now have more than 5,000 signatures: thank you so much for taking the time for sign. Reading the hundreds of comments really encourages me, that such a wide range of people: ex-Army officers, British Legion members, peace campaigners, pacifists, musicians, non-musicians, young and old, have come together on this. We may differ on many things but we share an abhorrence of war, and have come together, determined to get this message out.

Less encouraging has been the response of the British Legion. In response to press coverage, they chose to put out a statement saying that the petition is based on "a selective and misleading interpretation of a letter written by Eric Bogle to fRoots music magazine. When read in its entirety, [this letter] confirms that the Legion legitimately obtained rights to … Joss Stone's version of the song, that she and Jeff Beck were entitled to re-arrange it, and that their version does not 'glorify' war."

This statement, claiming that the petition was based on Eric Bogle's letter, is simply untrue: Eric Bogle had not even sent his letter when I published the petition. The petition simply does not suggest that the Legion didn't have "rights" to record or "re-arrange" the song. (In fact, legally, they don't need to obtain rights, as long as they pay the royalties.) And nowhere does it say that their version "glorifies" war.

When I phoned the British Legion to explain this, their spokesperson refused to accept it, repeated his assertion that our petition is "incorrect", insisted that we are a small minority, and that the petition is a "distraction". (From the "important" business of selling the single.) I would have asked how ending war can be seen as a "distraction". Isn't it one of the most important challenges facing our planet, and wouldn't most actual members of the armed forces, and those who have lost loved ones in war, feel this more than anyone? But unfortunately he put the phone down before I could question this.

On a more positive note, June Tabor (whose recording of the song is so moving) has said: "Thank-you for drawing my attention to this travesty. It goes nicely with the ceramic poppies. I have of course signed the petition. Whatever next - re-writing Wilfred Owen with a happy ending?"

I am still awaiting a response from Chris Simpkins, Director General of the British Legion, to whom the petition is addressed. I will continue to chase this up, and send out one final message, passing this on. In the meantime, of course, do feel free to take this forward in any way you wish.

Thanks and best wishes,

Bob
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BTW. I note that the BL has landed itself in another fine mess; collaborating with Sainsburys over their Christmas ad. It exploits the 1914 Christmas truce, on one of the few occasions when a grain of sanity crept into the ranks of the soldiers on both sides.