It is Frightening That Potential Reform Party Supporters Don't All Fit the Stereotype of Loud Thugs

Yusuf, 47, Birmingham

Profession: Economics Teacher and Online Educator

Past Votes: Labour. He identifies as “formerly known as old centre-left. To the left of Starmer – who isn’t?”

Personal Anecdote: During a seminar hosted by life coach Tony Robbins, showing that people are more capable than they think, Yusuf walked across hot coals.

Mark, Walsall

Occupation: Former Nurse, later Lecturer, now Retired

Voting Record: Has voted for most parties – last time Conservative Party and next time he intends to support Reform Party

Personal Anecdote: He once scored twice representing England facing Germany … during the wedding of his sister, who wed a German (England was defeated).

For Starters

Mark: Since I had surgery to treat Parkinson's, it can be difficult speaking clearly. Yusuf speaks well, and very passionate in what he believes. I enjoy a drink but I just had a non-alcoholic drink. I had a sirloin steak, then a pancake with ice-cream.

Yusuf: You’ve got a certain image of the typical a Reform supporter appears – a union jack T-shirt or a loud, overweight man – and that perception was disproven. He was quite friendly. I've been sober for 16 years, so I chose Diet Coke. My main was ribeye steak, which tasted amazing.

Key Debate

Mark: Today's immigration rates cannot continue. Numerous migrants arriving by small boats are hardworking and honest, but some aren’t. They might be criminals or extremists.

Yusuf: Put yourself in their shoes. Nobody abandons a good life a country where they are settled and living a good life. You’re talking about people who have lost everything or who are fleeing devastation. Channel crossings represent a minor portion; most of the immigration into this country is completely legal.

Mark: There’s an ethical dimension to attracting skilled workers to a wealthy nation, as we are creating other countries to have shortages. A long-standing worry of mine is UK overpopulation, because of energy security, water, health service, education system, housing, and so on. Additionally, some groups that live segregated lives and don’t come into contact with the rest of the population. This is concerning – notably when newcomers arrive from nations where freedoms or treatment of women are poor.

Yusuf: I talked about my dad coming here Integrating takes time; they continue their traditions as in their native land. Several countries that Britain colonized, such as India, were economically advanced, but Britain went in and took stuff and caused decline. It’s not like we came to get our stuff back, but we came to where stuff is.

Common Ground

Mark: We concurred with extreme wealth, no amount of money is enough. I would want a wealth tax.

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

For Afters

Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, doesn’t he? I believe in his economic plans, but cutting public services will anger many so he may need to moderate his approach. I'll vote reluctantly since he appears he’s not interested in the NHS; privatizing healthcare would be regrettable. My career was in the NHS. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; they've had opportunities.

Yusuf: I said to Mark: think about who your bedfellows in Reform are. Some supporters are extreme, you don't fit that mold, you disagree with them. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are affluent businessmen with little genuine interest in the nation, but seek to exploit popular fears and emotions to win power.

Conclusion

Mark: Now I’m retired, I lack insight into youth views as much as I did when I was a lecturer. The dinner was enjoyable.

Yusuf: It actually scares me that those considering Reform don't all fit the image of union jack-emblazoned thugs. However, I felt encouraged that through calm discussion divisive issues, you may be able to change people’s hearts and minds a little.