It's Concerning That Possible Reform Party Voters Don't All Fit the Stereotype of Aggressive Extremists

Yusuf, Birmingham

Occupation: Economics Teacher and Online Educator

Political History: Labour Party. Yusuf describes himself as “once called traditional centre-left. To the left of Starmer – who isn’t?”

Interesting Fact: During a seminar by the motivational speaker Tony Robbins, who demonstrated human potential, he walked across hot coals.

Mark, Walsall

Occupation: Ex- Nursing Professional, later Educator, now Retired

Political History: Has supported various parties – in the last election Conservative and in the upcoming election he intends to support Reform Party

Amuse Bouche: He once scored twice representing England versus Germany … at the wedding of his sibling, who wed a German (the English team lost).

For Starters

Mark: Since I had surgery for Parkinson’s, I sometimes have trouble speaking clearly. Yusuf is very articulate, and deeply committed regarding his views. I enjoy a drink though I opted for a non-alcoholic drink. My meal was sirloin steak, then a pancake with ice-cream.

Yusuf: People often imagine of the typical someone backing Reform – a white T-shirt with a union jack or a loud, overweight man – and that perception was disproven. He was very pleasant. I haven't drunk alcohol in 16 years, so I had a Diet Coke. And a ribeye steak, which was gorgeous.

The Big Beef

Mark: Current levels of immigration cannot continue. Numerous migrants arriving by small boats are hardworking and honest, though some are not. They might be criminals or extremists.

Yusuf: Imagine their position. No one leaves a happy home a country where they are settled and a secure existence. They are people with nothing left or who are fleeing devastation. Channel crossings represent a minor portion; most of the immigration to Britain is through legal means.

Mark: There’s an ethical dimension to tempting skilled people to developed countries, as we are creating shortages in other nations. A long-standing worry of mine is Britain becoming overcrowded, due to energy demands, water resources, health service, schools, homes, among other issues. Moreover, certain communities that live segregated lives and avoid integrating with the rest of the population. I believe this is a problem – particularly when migrants hail from places where freedoms or treatment of women are poor.

Yusuf: I mentioned my father's immigration It’s not like we suddenly become British; people do what they would have done in their home country. Many nations that Britain colonized, like India, had strong economies, but resources were extracted and hindered their progress. It wasn't about taking back, but we came to where stuff is.

Shared Views

Mark: We agreed with extreme wealth, they always want more. I would want a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark expressed that Thatcher caused wealth inequality and discussed her legacy. He didn't seem like a typical Conservative!

Final Thoughts

Mark: Farage is a skilled speaker, right? I'd trust him on the economy, although austerity measures will anger many 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; moving to private care is disappointing. I spent 26 years in the NHS. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; they’ve had their chance.

Yusuf: I told Mark: consider who else supports Reform. There are unpleasant individuals, you're different, your opinions differ. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are wealthy entrepreneurs who don’t really care about the country, but seek to exploit popular fears and emotions for votes.

Final Reflections

Mark: As a retiree, I'm less connected to younger generations as much as I did when I was a lecturer. I enjoyed the evening very much.

Yusuf: I find it alarming that possible Reform supporters aren't all loud flag-waving extremists. But I came away feeling positive that if you calmly discuss certain topics, you may be able to change people’s hearts and minds a little.