It is Frightening How Prospective Reform Party Supporters Aren't All Aggressive Hooligans
Yusuf, 47, Birmingham
Occupation: Economics Teacher and Content Creator
Political History: Labour. He identifies as “formerly known as old centre-left. More left-wing than Starmer – who isn’t?”
Personal Anecdote: At an event featuring life coach Tony Robbins, who demonstrated personal limits, Yusuf stepped on fiery embers.
Mark, 66, Walsall
Profession: Ex- Nursing Professional, then Teacher, now Retired
Political History: Has supported most parties – last time Conservative Party and next time he plans to vote Reform Party
Amuse Bouche: He once scored twice representing England facing Germany … at the wedding of his sibling, whose spouse is German (the English team lost).
For Starters
Mark: After my operation for Parkinson's disease, it can be difficult finding the words. Yusuf is very articulate, and very passionate in what he believes. I usually drink but this time I had a blackcurrant with soda. I ordered sirloin steak, and dessert was pancake with ice cream.
Yusuf: There's a common stereotype of how you picture a Reform voter looks like – a union jack T-shirt or a loud, overweight man – and that was completely taken away. He was very genial. I've been sober for 16 years, so I had a Diet Coke. My main was ribeye steak, which tasted amazing.
The Big Beef
Mark: Today's immigration rates are not viable. A lot of the people coming on small boats are genuine and willing to work, but some aren’t. There is a risk of criminals or terrorists.
Yusuf: Imagine their position. No one leaves a happy home a stable country and a secure existence. These are individuals who have lost everything or who have been stripped of everything. Small boat arrivals is a small percentage; the majority of migrants to Britain is entirely legal.
Mark: There’s an ethical dimension to tempting skilled people to a rich country, because we’re causing other countries to have shortages. A long-standing worry of mine is overpopulation of the UK, given energy needs, water supply, healthcare system, education system, housing crisis, etc. And there are communities that remain isolated and don’t come into contact with the rest of the population. I believe this is a problem – particularly when migrants arrive from nations where human rights or gender equality are poor.
Yusuf: I shared my dad's story Integrating takes time; people do what they would have done from their homeland. A lot of the countries Britain colonised, such as India, were well developed economically, but Britain went in and took stuff and caused decline. We didn't come to reclaim anything, but we came to where stuff is.
Sharing Plate
Mark: We concurred as people get very wealthy, they always want more. I would want a wealth tax.
Yusuf: Mark expressed that inequality stems from Thatcher and mentioned her policies. He didn't seem like a typical Conservative!
Dessert
Mark: Farage is a skilled speaker, right? I believe in his economic plans, but cutting public services will anger many so he might have to compromise. My vote will be hesitant since he appears indifferent to healthcare; moving to private care is disappointing. My career was in the NHS. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; they’ve had their chance.
Yusuf: I told Mark: consider who else supports Reform. There are some really nasty people, you don't fit that mold, your opinions differ. Farage and his deputy, Richard Tice, are very rich businesspeople who don’t really care about the country, but are trying to appeal to public anxieties and prejudices for votes.
Conclusion
Mark: Now I’m retired, I lack insight into youth views unlike when I taught. I had a great time.
Yusuf: It actually scares me that potential Reform voters aren't all loud union jack-emblazoned thugs. But I came away feeling positive that through calm discussion certain topics, you might influence perspectives and beliefs.
