It's Frightening That Prospective Reform Party Voters Aren't All Tub-Thumping Thugs
Yusuf, Birmingham
Occupation: Economics Tutor & Digital Creator
Voting Record: Labour. He describes himself as “once called moderate left. To the left of Starmer – as do many others”
Amuse Bouche: While attending a talk by inspirational speaker Tony Robbins, who was demonstrating personal limits, he once walked over fiery embers.
Mark, 66, Walsall
Work: Ex- Nursing Professional, then Educator, currently Retired
Voting Record: Has voted for various parties – last time Conservative Party and next time he intends to support Reform Party
Interesting Fact: He scored two goals playing for England facing Germany … during the wedding of his sister, who married a German (the English team lost).
First Course
Mark: After my operation for Parkinson’s, I sometimes have trouble speaking clearly. Yusuf is very articulate, and strongly opinionated regarding his views. I enjoy a drink though I opted for a non-alcoholic drink. I had a sirloin steak, and dessert was pancake with ice cream.
Yusuf: People often imagine of what you think someone backing Reform – a white T-shirt with a union jack or an aggressive-looking individual – and that idea was shattered. He was very genial. I’ve been 16 years sober, so I drank Diet Coke. My main was ribeye steak, which was gorgeous.
Key Debate
Mark: Current levels of immigration are not viable. Numerous migrants coming on small boats are honest, prepared to work, but some aren’t. They might be criminals or extremists.
Yusuf: Put yourself in their shoes. Nobody abandons a good life a stable country and a secure existence. They are people who have lost everything or who are fleeing devastation. Channel crossings are only a fraction; most people entering to Britain is completely legal.
Mark: There is a moral issue to attracting skilled workers to developed countries, as we are creating shortages in other nations. Something I've worried about for years is UK overpopulation, given energy needs, water supply, healthcare system, schools, housing, among other issues. Additionally, some groups that live segregated lives and avoid integrating with the wider society. This is concerning – notably when newcomers arrive from nations where human rights or treatment of women are poor.
Yusuf: I mentioned my father's immigration We don't instantly become British; people do what they would have done in their home country. Several countries that Britain colonized, such as India, were economically advanced, but resources were extracted and hindered their progress. It’s not like we came to get our stuff back, but we sought better prospects.
Common Ground
Mark: We agreed with extreme wealth, no amount of money is enough. I would want a wealth tax.
Yusuf: Mark noted wealth inequality was all Thatcher’s fault and mentioned her policies. He didn't seem like a typical Conservative!
Dessert
Mark: Nigel Farage is very persuasive, right? I believe in his economic plans, though reducing public spending will anger many so maybe he’ll have to temper his intentions. My vote will be hesitant as he seems indifferent to healthcare; 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 mentioned to Mark: think about who your bedfellows in Reform are. There are unpleasant individuals, you don't fit that mold, your opinions differ. Farage and his colleague, Richard Tice, are very rich businesspeople who don’t really care about the country, but are trying to appeal to people’s worst fears and impulses for votes.
Final Reflections
Mark: As a retiree, I don’t get the young person’s perspective compared to my teaching days. I had a great time.
Yusuf: It's concerning that those considering Reform are not all tub-thumping union jack-emblazoned thugs. But I came away feeling positive that if you calmly discuss divisive issues, you may be able to change people’s hearts and minds a little.
