It's Frightening How Possible Reform Voters Aren't All Loud Hooligans

Yusuf, Edgbaston

Work: Economics Tutor & Online Educator

Voting Record: Labour Party. He identifies as “what would have been old centre-left. Left of Starmer – who isn’t?”

Personal Anecdote: During a seminar by inspirational speaker Tony Robbins, who demonstrated that people are more capable than they think, he once walked over burning coals.

Mark, 66, Walsall

Profession: Former Nurse, later Lecturer, currently Retired

Political History: Has supported different parties – last time Conservative Party while in the upcoming election he plans to vote Reform Party

Interesting Fact: Mark netted twice for England against Germany … during the wedding of his sibling, who wed a German (the English team lost).

First Course

Mark: After my operation for Parkinson’s, it can be difficult expressing myself. Yusuf is very articulate, and strongly opinionated regarding his views. I usually drink but this time I had a blackcurrant and soda. I had a sirloin steak, and dessert was pancake with ice cream.

Yusuf: People often imagine of what you think a Reform supporter appears – a union jack T-shirt or a loud, overweight man – and that perception was disproven. He was very genial. I haven't drunk alcohol in 16 years, so I chose Diet Coke. My main was ribeye steak, which was delicious.

The Big Beef

Mark: Today's immigration rates are unsustainable. Numerous migrants crossing in small boats are genuine and willing to work, though some are not. There is a risk of criminals or terrorists.

Yusuf: Put yourself in their shoes. 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 is a small percentage; the majority of migrants into this country is through legal means.

Mark: There is a moral issue to attracting skilled workers to a rich country, as we are creating shortages in other nations. A concern I’ve had for years is Britain becoming overcrowded, due to energy demands, water resources, NHS, education system, housing crisis, etc. And there are communities that live completely parallel lives and don’t come into contact with other Britons. I do think that is an issue – especially if immigrants arrive from nations where human rights or treatment of women are poor.

Yusuf: I talked about my dad coming here Integrating takes time; people do what they would have done in their home country. Many nations that Britain colonized, including India, had strong economies, but Britain went in and took stuff and hindered their progress. It wasn't about taking back, but we moved to where opportunities are.

Shared Views

Mark: We concurred as people get very wealthy, no amount of money is enough. I would want a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark expressed wealth inequality was all Thatcher’s fault and talked about the historical seeds she had sown. He didn't seem like a typical Conservative!

For Afters

Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, right? I believe in his economic plans, but cutting public services will upset a lot of people so he might have to compromise. I will vote with a heavy heart because he’s given the impression he’s not interested in the NHS; it would be sad to go down the private healthcare road. I worked in the NHS for 26 years. But I won’t vote Conservative or Labour; they've failed before.

Yusuf: I told Mark: consider who else supports Reform. Some supporters are extreme, you don't fit that mold, your views are not their views. Farage and his colleague, Richard Tice, are affluent businessmen who don’t really care about the country, but seek to exploit people’s worst fears and impulses to win power.

Conclusion

Mark: Now I’m retired, I don’t get the young person’s perspective unlike when I taught. I had a great time.

Yusuf: I find it alarming that possible Reform supporters are not all tub-thumping flag-waving extremists. But I came away feeling positive that by talking respectfully divisive issues, it's possible to shift attitudes and opinions.