It is Concerning How Prospective Reform Party Supporters Aren't All Tub-Thumping Thugs

Yusuf, Birmingham

Profession: Economics Teacher & Online Educator

Political History: Labour Party. Yusuf describes himself as “what would have been moderate left. More left-wing than Starmer – who isn’t?”

Amuse Bouche: While attending a talk hosted by life coach Tony Robbins, showing human potential, Yusuf stepped on burning coals.

Mark, Walsall

Occupation: Ex- Nurse, later Lecturer, currently Retired

Political History: Has voted for various parties – last time Conservative and next time he intends to support Reform Party

Interesting Fact: Mark scored two goals playing for England versus Germany … at his sister's wedding of his sister, who married a German (the English team lost).

First Course

Mark: After my operation for Parkinson’s, I occasionally struggle finding the words. Yusuf is quite eloquent, and strongly opinionated regarding his views. I usually drink but this time I had a non-alcoholic drink. My meal was sirloin steak, then a pancake with ice-cream.

Yusuf: There's a common stereotype of what you think someone backing Reform – a white T-shirt with a union jack or an aggressive-looking individual – and that perception was disproven. He was very genial. I haven't drunk alcohol in 16 years, so I drank Diet Coke. And a ribeye steak, which was gorgeous.

Main Discussion

Mark: The present scale of immigration cannot continue. 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. No one leaves a happy home their homeland and a secure existence. You’re talking about people with nothing left or who are fleeing devastation. Channel crossings represent a minor portion; most people entering into this country is completely legal.

Mark: Ethically speaking to tempting skilled people to a rich country, because we’re causing a brain drain elsewhere. A concern I’ve had for years is Britain becoming overcrowded, given energy needs, water supply, NHS, education system, housing crisis, and so on. And there are communities that live completely parallel lives and don’t come into contact with the rest of the population. This is concerning – particularly when migrants arrive from nations where freedoms or women's rights are poor.

Yusuf: I mentioned my father's immigration We don't instantly become British; people do what they would have done in their home country. A lot of the countries Britain colonised, including India, were economically advanced, but Britain went in and took stuff and hindered their progress. It’s not like we came to get our stuff back, but we sought better prospects.

Common Ground

Mark: We agreed as people get very wealthy, they always want more. I would want a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark noted that inequality stems from Thatcher and mentioned her policies. He didn't seem like a typical Conservative!

Final Thoughts

Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, doesn’t he? I would trust him with the economy, but cutting public services will upset a lot of people so he might have to compromise. I will vote with a heavy heart as he seems he’s not interested in the NHS; privatizing healthcare would be regrettable. I spent 26 years in the NHS. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; they've had opportunities.

Yusuf: I mentioned to Mark: consider who else supports Reform. There are unpleasant individuals, you don't fit that mold, your opinions differ. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are wealthy entrepreneurs with little genuine interest in the nation, but aim to tap into 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 possible Reform supporters aren't all loud union jack-emblazoned thugs. However, I felt encouraged that through calm discussion divisive issues, it's possible to shift people’s hearts and minds a little.