It is Frightening That Potential Reform Party Supporters Aren't All Aggressive Thugs

Yusuf, Edgbaston

Occupation: Economics Tutor & Content Creator

Past Votes: Labour. Yusuf identifies as “what would have been old centre-left. More left-wing than Starmer – and many feel the same”

Interesting Fact: While attending a talk by life coach Tony Robbins, who demonstrated human potential, he stepped on burning coals.

Mark, 66, Walsall

Occupation: Former Nursing Professional, then Lecturer, currently Retired

Political History: Has supported different parties – last time Conservative Party and next time he’ll probably vote Reform Party

Personal Anecdote: Mark scored two goals representing England facing Germany … at his sister's wedding of his sibling, who wed a German (the English team lost).

For Starters

Mark: Following my procedure to treat Parkinson's, it can be difficult speaking clearly. Yusuf is very articulate, and very passionate regarding his views. I usually drink though I opted for a blackcurrant and soda. I ordered sirloin steak, followed by a pancake and ice cream.

Yusuf: There's a common stereotype of how you picture someone backing Reform – a union jack T-shirt or a loud, overweight man – and that idea was shattered. He was very genial. I haven't drunk alcohol in 16 years, so I had a Diet Coke. My main was ribeye steak, which was delicious.

The Big Beef

Mark: The present scale of immigration are unsustainable. A lot of the people crossing in small boats are genuine and willing to work, though some are not. They might be criminals or extremists.

Yusuf: Imagine their position. People don't leave willingly a country where they are settled and a secure existence. You’re talking about people with nothing left or everything’s been taken away from them. Small boat arrivals represent a minor portion; most of the immigration to the UK is entirely legal.

Mark: Ethically speaking to luring professionals to a wealthy nation, because we’re causing other countries to have shortages. Something I've worried about for years is overpopulation of the UK, because of energy security, water supply, NHS, education, homes, and so on. Additionally, some groups that live completely parallel lives and avoid integrating with other Britons. I believe this is a problem – especially if immigrants are coming from countries where rights or women's rights are terrible.

Yusuf: I mentioned my father's immigration Integrating takes time; people do what they would have done from their homeland. Several countries that Britain colonized, like India, were economically advanced, but resources were extracted and caused decline. We didn't come to reclaim anything, but we moved to where opportunities are.

Common Ground

Mark: We both felt with extreme wealth, money is never sufficient. I support a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark said that inequality stems from Thatcher and talked about the historical seeds she had sown. He didn’t strike me as a Conservative!

For Afters

Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, isn't he? I believe in his economic plans, but cutting public services will be unpopular so he may need to moderate his approach. My vote will be hesitant because he’s given the impression unconcerned about the NHS; it would be sad to go down the private healthcare road. I spent 26 years in the NHS. However, I won't support Conservatives or Labour; they've had opportunities.

Yusuf: I mentioned to Mark: reflect on Reform's allies. There are unpleasant individuals, you’re not one of them, your views are not their views. Farage and his colleague, Richard Tice, are affluent businessmen with little genuine interest in the nation, but aim to tap into public anxieties and prejudices to win power.

Takeaway

Mark: Since retiring, I lack insight into youth views as much as I did when I was a lecturer. I had a great time.

Yusuf: It's concerning that potential Reform voters aren't all loud union jack-emblazoned thugs. However, I felt encouraged that through calm discussion certain topics, you might influence attitudes and opinions.