It's Concerning How Possible Reform Party Voters Aren't All Loud Extremists

Yusuf, 47, Birmingham

Profession: Economics Instructor & Digital Creator

Political History: Labour Party. He identifies as “what would have been moderate left. To the left of Starmer – who isn’t?”

Personal Anecdote: While attending a talk featuring inspirational speaker Tony Robbins, who demonstrated personal limits, Yusuf stepped on hot coals.

Mark, 66, Walsall

Occupation: Ex- Nurse, later Teacher, currently Retired

Voting Record: Voted for most parties – previously Conservative while in the upcoming election he plans to vote Reform Party

Interesting Fact: He once scored twice for England against Germany … at his sister's wedding of his sister, whose spouse is German (the English team lost).

For Starters

Mark: Following my procedure for Parkinson's disease, I sometimes have trouble finding the words. Yusuf speaks well, and very passionate regarding his views. I do drink but I just had a non-alcoholic drink. My meal was sirloin steak, then a pancake with ice-cream.

Yusuf: There's a common stereotype of how you picture someone backing Reform – a union jack T-shirt or a red-faced, portly kind of guy – and that perception was disproven. He was very pleasant. I’ve been 16 years sober, so I chose Diet Coke. And I ordered ribeye steak, which tasted amazing.

Key Debate

Mark: Current levels of immigration cannot continue. Numerous migrants crossing in small boats are hardworking and honest, but some aren’t. They could be 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 who have been stripped of everything. Small boat arrivals is a small percentage; the majority of migrants to the UK is completely legal.

Mark: There’s an ethical dimension to tempting skilled people to a wealthy nation, as we are creating other countries to have shortages. Something I've worried about for years is overpopulation of the UK, because of energy security, water resources, healthcare system, education, homes, among other issues. Moreover, certain communities that live segregated lives and have little interaction with the wider society. I do think that is an issue – notably when newcomers hail from places where freedoms or treatment of women are poor.

Yusuf: I shared my dad's story Integrating takes time; they continue their traditions in their home country. Several countries under British rule, like India, were well developed economically, but resources were extracted and caused decline. It wasn't about taking back, but we sought better prospects.

Shared Views

Mark: We concurred with extreme wealth, they always want more. I support a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark noted that inequality stems from Thatcher and talked about the historical seeds she had sown. I was surprised he wasn't more right-wing!

Dessert

Mark: Nigel Farage is very persuasive, isn't he? I believe in his economic plans, although austerity measures will anger many so maybe he’ll have to temper his intentions. My vote will be hesitant 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 spent 26 years in the NHS. But I won’t vote Conservative or Labour; they've failed before.

Yusuf: I said to Mark: consider who else supports Reform. There are unpleasant individuals, you’re not one of them, you disagree with them. Farage and his colleague, 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 possible Reform supporters 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.