"Just wondering what Uk-ers think of the BBC's policy that everybody who appears on their news bulletins etc has to wear a poppy."

I don't know if it is actually compulsory, I don't believe so. I know BBC World actually banned the wearing of poppies in 2001 (It caused one hell of a stink when Robert Fox of the London Evening Standard was told to remove his poppy before he was interviewed by the BBC - they were forced to apologise later.).

"Does the fact that it seems mandatory actually devalue it in some way?"

BBC is funded from the public purse and by a compulsory licence fee. As one of the country's "institutions" it would not be out of place for them to "set the tone" - it is for us a well known mark of respect for those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom - it is non-denominational and as such carries significance to all.

So my answer to your question as far as I am concerned is a simple and straightforward NO. Presenters and Reporters on BBC wearing remembrance poppies do not devalue it - it is a personal choice, and the money raised does a tremendous amount of good.