Peace Party reports that, “The Guildford Dragon NEWS is keeping eyes and ears on Guildford’s General Election candidates, staying with them on their campaigning to observe their reception.”

Hugh Coakley, journalist with Guildford Dragon News wrote, “We were with John Morris of the Peace Party as he handed out leaflets in Cranleigh and we had a frank and revealing discussion about his motives for standing for election every time since 1997.”

“You couldn’t hope to meet a gentler, more quietly-spoken chap than John Morris, the 81-year-old Quaker and Peace Party campaigner. I was with him in Cranleigh, on a cold day with a biting wind making it feel even colder, as he gave out his Peace leaflets and chatted to shoppers at Sainsbury’s.”

“He said he had two or three supporters, all Quakers, who helped him. But largely, he works alone. He is out leafleting every day during the election lead-up. “But I’m not lonely. I feel I make connections talking to people in the street.”

“He is nothing if not an optimist. “You have to be.” said John. When he first stood, he had roughly 300 votes, now he gets in the 200s. “I am still hopeful there will be a snowball effect and that Peace will become a vote-winner.”

“He said he was disappointed (“Not quite the right word,” he added) that the support is not growing but: “I am absolutely against violence and that’s what sustains me.

“I am in favour of non-violent force, as used by Gandhi. He achieved his ends without using physical violence against others.

“I know I have not been tested but if my family was attacked, I would stand between them and the attacker and be prepared to die rather than kill. It took me a long time to reach that position.”

“He thinks this election is more open than before. He is getting more emails and website responses this time and more encouraging responses in the street as well.

“I love life,” he said. “Everyone is compassionate but, when we get together, that compassion is reduced. I am trying to get people to give up the crowd mentality and apply what they do in their individual lives.”

“He looks and acts younger than his 81 years and he shows no sign of gently retiring. “I had said in 2017 that it would be my last election but now, here I am again. I feel there is still a job to do.”

“If standing as a parliamentary candidate for peace has had any effect in Guildford is impossible to say. Not many have voted for his philosophy but, stout-hearted, John Morris continues to stand up for what he believes.

29/11/19

Photo shows John Morris at University of Surrey Hustings (far right)