Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption The motion stated that the students' union was an inclusive and neutral space

A motion proposing a ban on the sale of poppies within the Students' Union at Queen's University has been defeated.

The university's student council, that comprises about 100 students from across different faculties and years of study, debated the motion on Wednesday.

It was defeated by 40 votes to 15.

The motion noted that the poppy appeal "is a politically charged and necessarily divisive initiative, given the nature of local politics".

It added that the students' union was an inclusive and neutral space.

"Therefore (the students' union) must offer a politically neutral environment regarding issues of the past to avoid offence and a sense of exclusion," it said.

The annual poppy appeal is organised by the Royal British Legion.

The charity raises funds to help serving members of the armed forces, ex service men and women and their families.