It is Concerning How Possible Reform Voters Don't All Fit the Stereotype of Loud Hooligans

Yusuf, Birmingham

Occupation: Economics Instructor and Digital Creator

Voting Record: Labour. He describes himself as “once called old centre-left. To the left of Starmer – as do many others”

Personal Anecdote: At an event featuring inspirational speaker Tony Robbins, who demonstrated human potential, he stepped on hot coals.

Mark, Walsall

Occupation: Former Nursing Professional, then Teacher, currently Retired

Political History: Has voted for most parties – previously Conservative Party while in the upcoming election he’ll probably vote Reform Party

Amuse Bouche: Mark once scored twice for England against Germany … at his sister's wedding of his sister, who wed a German (the English team lost).

First Course

Mark: Following my procedure for Parkinson's disease, it can be difficult expressing myself. Yusuf is very articulate, and very passionate about his beliefs. I enjoy a drink though I opted for a blackcurrant and soda. I ordered sirloin steak, followed by a pancake and ice cream.

Yusuf: People often imagine of how you picture a Reform supporter appears – patriotic clothing or an aggressive-looking individual – and that was completely taken away. He was quite friendly. I haven't drunk alcohol in 16 years, so I had a Diet Coke. And a ribeye steak, which was delicious.

Key Debate

Mark: The present scale of immigration are unsustainable. Many individuals arriving by small boats are genuine and willing to work, but some aren’t. They might be criminals or extremists.

Yusuf: Consider their situation. People don't leave willingly their homeland and living a good life. They are people who have lost everything or everything’s been taken away from them. Channel crossings represent a minor portion; most of the immigration to the UK is through legal means.

Mark: There is a moral issue to tempting skilled people to developed countries, because we’re causing other countries to have shortages. Something I've worried about for years is Britain becoming overcrowded, because of energy security, water, NHS, education, housing, among other issues. Additionally, some groups that live completely parallel lives and avoid integrating with the wider society. I do think that is an issue – particularly when migrants are coming from countries where human rights or treatment of women are poor.

Yusuf: I mentioned my father's immigration Integrating takes time; individuals maintain their customs from their homeland. Many nations that Britain colonized, including India, were well developed economically, but resources were extracted and set them back. It wasn't about taking back, but we sought better prospects.

Shared Views

Mark: We concurred when people become super affluent, money is never sufficient. I support a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark said that Thatcher caused wealth inequality and mentioned her policies. He didn’t strike me as a Conservative!

Dessert

Mark: Nigel Farage is very persuasive, isn't he? I'd trust him on the economy, though reducing public spending will be unpopular so he might have to compromise. I will vote with a heavy heart since he appears unconcerned about the NHS; it would be sad to go down the private healthcare road. I spent 26 years in the NHS. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; they've had opportunities.

Yusuf: I said to Mark: reflect on Reform's allies. There are unpleasant individuals, you don't fit that mold, your opinions differ. Farage and his deputy, Richard Tice, are wealthy entrepreneurs with little genuine interest in the nation, but seek to exploit people’s worst fears and impulses to get elected.

Final Reflections

Mark: Now I’m retired, I lack insight into youth views unlike when I taught. I enjoyed the evening very much.

Yusuf: I find it alarming that those considering Reform are not all tub-thumping flag-waving extremists. However, I felt encouraged that by talking respectfully some of those ideas, you may be able to change attitudes and opinions.