It is Frightening That Prospective Reform Party Voters Are Not All Tub-Thumping Extremists

Yusuf, 47, Edgbaston

Work: Economics Instructor & Online Educator

Past Votes: Labour. He considers himself “what would have been moderate left. Left of Starmer – and many feel the same”

Amuse Bouche: At an event hosted by inspirational speaker Tony Robbins, who was demonstrating that people are more capable than they think, he stepped on fiery embers.

Mark, 66, Walsall

Profession: Ex- Nursing Professional, then Teacher, now Retired

Voting Record: Voted for different parties – last time Conservative while in the upcoming election he’ll probably vote Reform Party

Interesting Fact: He once scored twice representing England versus Germany … at the wedding of his sibling, whose spouse is German (the English team lost).

Initial Impressions

Mark: Following my procedure to treat Parkinson's, it can be difficult finding the words. Yusuf is quite eloquent, and strongly opinionated in what he believes. I do drink but this time I had a blackcurrant with soda. My meal was sirloin steak, and dessert was pancake with ice cream.

Yusuf: There's a common stereotype of what you think a Reform supporter appears – patriotic clothing or a loud, overweight man – and that was completely taken away. He was very genial. I’ve been 16 years sober, so I chose Diet Coke. And I ordered ribeye steak, which tasted amazing.

Key Debate

Mark: The present scale of immigration are unsustainable. Numerous migrants coming on small boats are honest, prepared to work, but some aren’t. There is a risk of criminals or terrorists.

Yusuf: Imagine their position. People don't leave willingly a stable country with a decent life. You’re talking about people who have lost everything or who have been stripped of everything. Channel crossings represent a minor portion; most people entering to the UK is entirely legal.

Mark: Ethically speaking to luring professionals to developed countries, as we are creating other countries to have shortages. Something I've worried about for years is Britain becoming overcrowded, due to energy demands, water resources, health service, schools, homes, among other issues. And there are communities that live segregated lives and avoid integrating with the rest of the population. I believe this is a problem – notably when newcomers are coming from countries where rights or treatment of women are poor.

Yusuf: I talked about my dad coming here It’s not like we suddenly become British; people do what they would have done as in their native land. Many nations under British rule, such as India, had strong economies, but Britain exploited them and hindered their progress. We didn't come to reclaim anything, but we moved to where opportunities are.

Shared Views

Mark: We agreed as people get very wealthy, money is never sufficient. I support a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark expressed wealth inequality was all Thatcher’s fault and talked about the historical seeds she had sown. I was surprised he wasn't more right-wing!

Dessert

Mark: Farage is a skilled speaker, right? I'd trust him on the economy, although austerity measures will upset a lot of people 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; it would be sad to go down the private healthcare road. I worked in the NHS for 26 years. However, I won't support Conservatives or Labour; they've failed before.

Yusuf: I mentioned to Mark: think about who your bedfellows in Reform are. Some supporters are extreme, you're different, your views are not their views. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are affluent businessmen who don’t really care about the country, but aim to tap into public anxieties and prejudices to win power.

Conclusion

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

Yusuf: It's concerning that potential Reform voters don't all fit the image of union jack-emblazoned thugs. But I came away feeling positive that through calm discussion certain topics, it's possible to shift perspectives and beliefs.