“I think John McCrea would be horrified to think that this symbol could become a symbol of division, or national identity, or even a fashion statement. It is quite simply a symbol of memorial, of the grim reality of the terrible loss of life.”

Christmas means friends and family, presents and looking forward to a great New Year. But, for many vulnerable Irish people in London, it means loneliness, a long hard winter and, with ongoing welfare cuts, a grim time in 2017 – Seán Kennedy, London Irish Centre.