It's Concerning That Possible Reform Voters Are Not All Loud Thugs

Yusuf, Birmingham

Occupation: Economics Teacher & Online Educator

Voting Record: Labour. He identifies as “once called old centre-left. To the left of Starmer – who isn’t?”

Amuse Bouche: While attending a talk by the motivational speaker Tony Robbins, who demonstrated human potential, he once walked over burning coals.

Mark, 66, Walsall

Profession: Ex- Nurse, later Teacher, currently Retired

Past Votes: Has voted for various parties – in the last election Conservative and next time he plans to vote Reform Party

Interesting Fact: He scored two goals playing for England facing Germany … during the wedding of his sibling, whose spouse is German (the English team lost).

Initial Impressions

Mark: After my operation to treat Parkinson's, it can be difficult finding the words. Yusuf speaks well, and very passionate in what he believes. I usually drink though I opted for a non-alcoholic drink. I ordered sirloin steak, followed by a pancake and ice cream.

Yusuf: People often imagine of what you think a Reform supporter appears – patriotic clothing or a loud, overweight man – and that was completely taken away. He was quite friendly. I haven't drunk alcohol in 16 years, so I chose Diet Coke. And a ribeye steak, which was gorgeous.

Key Debate

Mark: Today's immigration rates cannot continue. A lot of the people coming on small boats are honest, prepared to work, but others are not. There is a risk of criminals or terrorists.

Yusuf: Consider their situation. People don't leave willingly their homeland and living a good life. You’re talking about people who’ve got nothing or everything’s been taken away from them. Small boat arrivals represent a minor portion; most people entering into this country is through legal means.

Mark: Ethically speaking to tempting skilled people to a rich country, as we are creating other countries to have shortages. A concern I’ve had for years is UK overpopulation, due to energy demands, water supply, health service, education, housing crisis, etc. Additionally, some groups that remain isolated and don’t come into contact with the rest of the population. I believe this is a problem – especially if immigrants hail from places where freedoms or gender equality are appalling.

Yusuf: I talked about my dad coming here It’s not like we suddenly become British; people do what they would have done from their homeland. Several countries Britain colonised, such as India, were well developed economically, but Britain exploited them and hindered their progress. We didn't come to reclaim anything, but we sought better prospects.

Sharing Plate

Mark: We both felt as people get very wealthy, no amount of money is enough. I support a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark said wealth inequality was all Thatcher’s fault and mentioned her policies. I was surprised he wasn't more right-wing!

Dessert

Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, isn't he? I'd trust him on the economy, although austerity measures will be unpopular so maybe he’ll have to temper his intentions. My vote will be hesitant since he appears he’s not interested in the NHS; moving to private care is disappointing. I spent 26 years in the NHS. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; they've failed before.

Yusuf: I said to Mark: reflect on Reform's allies. There are some really nasty people, you're different, your opinions differ. Farage and his colleague, Richard Tice, are very rich businesspeople who don’t really care about the country, but aim to tap into popular fears and emotions for votes.

Final Reflections

Mark: Now I’m retired, I'm less connected to younger generations compared to my teaching days. The dinner was enjoyable.

Yusuf: I find it alarming that those considering Reform are not all tub-thumping flag-waving extremists. Yet, I left hopeful that by talking respectfully certain topics, you may be able to change attitudes and opinions.