It's Alarming How Potential Reform Party Voters Are Not All Tub-Thumping Thugs
Yusuf, Birmingham
Occupation: Economics Teacher and Digital Creator
Voting Record: Labour. Yusuf identifies as “once called old centre-left. Left of Starmer – who isn’t?”
Interesting Fact: While attending a talk by the motivational speaker Tony Robbins, who demonstrated that people are more capable than they think, he once walked over fiery embers.
Mark, Walsall
Profession: Former Nurse, then Lecturer, currently Retired
Political History: Has supported different parties – in the last election Conservative while in the upcoming election he intends to support Reform
Amuse Bouche: He netted twice playing for England against Germany … during the wedding of his sibling, whose spouse is German (England lost the match).
Initial Impressions
Mark: Following my procedure for Parkinson's disease, it can be difficult finding the words. Yusuf speaks well, and very passionate regarding his views. I enjoy a drink though I opted for a blackcurrant and soda. I ordered 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 pleasant. I’ve been 16 years sober, so I drank Diet Coke. And I ordered ribeye steak, which tasted amazing.
The Big Beef
Mark: Today's immigration rates are unsustainable. A lot of the people arriving by small boats are genuine and willing to work, but some aren’t. They could be criminals or terrorists.
Yusuf: Consider their situation. Nobody abandons a good life a stable country and a secure existence. These are individuals who’ve got nothing or everything’s been taken away from them. Channel crossings represent a minor portion; the majority of migrants to the UK is completely legal.
Mark: Ethically speaking to attracting skilled workers to developed countries, because we’re causing a brain drain elsewhere. Something I've worried about for years is UK overpopulation, due to energy demands, water, healthcare system, schools, housing crisis, etc. And there are communities that remain isolated and don’t come into contact with the rest of the population. I believe this is a problem – particularly when migrants hail from places where rights or treatment of women are appalling.
Yusuf: I shared my dad's story It’s not like we suddenly become British; individuals maintain their customs as in their native land. Many nations under British rule, such as India, had strong economies, but Britain went in and took stuff and hindered their progress. We didn't come to reclaim anything, but we came to where stuff is.
Sharing Plate
Mark: We agreed with extreme wealth, they always want more. I support a wealth tax.
Yusuf: Mark said that inequality stems from Thatcher and discussed her legacy. I was surprised he wasn't more right-wing!
Final Thoughts
Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, isn't he? I believe in his economic plans, but cutting public services will upset a lot of people so he may need to moderate his approach. I'll vote reluctantly as he seems unconcerned about the NHS; moving to private care is disappointing. I worked in the NHS for 26 years. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; they’ve had their chance.
Yusuf: I mentioned to Mark: think about who your bedfellows in Reform are. There are unpleasant individuals, you don't fit that mold, you disagree with them. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are wealthy entrepreneurs who don’t really care about the country, but are trying to appeal to people’s worst fears and impulses for votes.
Takeaway
Mark: As a retiree, I lack insight into youth views as much as I did when I was a lecturer. I had a great time.
Yusuf: I find it alarming that those considering Reform aren't all loud union jack-emblazoned thugs. But I came away feeling positive that through calm discussion certain topics, you may be able to change perspectives and beliefs.
