John addressed this letter to The Editor of The Surrey Advertiser explaining why he wears a white poppy at Remembrance time:

“The news bulletins remind us, every day, and even every hour, that we are witnessing the greatest intensity of war and violence so far this century.

“The destruction of Gaza and the attacks on Lebanon continue unabated, the war in Ukraine grinds on with no end in sight, devastating civilian life. In Sudan, the civil war has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with tens of thousands dead and millions displaced and facing starvation.

“I feel that it is vitally important that, with many others, I continue standing up for peace.

“I will be remembering not just the those in the military and civilians who have been killed as the result of war, but also those who have faced – and still face – persecution, social isolation, violence and imprisonment for refusing to take part in it.

“By wearing a white poppy, I bear witness to the full human cost of war both in the past and today. This act of remembrance only sharpens my resolve to oppose war and to work for a culture of peace.

“White poppies may be obtained in Guildford from the Quaker Meeting House, from Zero Carbon Guildford or direct from the original suppliers, the Peace Pledge Union. I pass any donation I receive to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.”

(John Morris was the candidate in the 2024 General Election for Guildford for The Peace Party – Non-violence, Justice, Environment)