It's Concerning How Possible Reform Voters Don't All Fit the Stereotype of Tub-Thumping Thugs
Yusuf, Edgbaston
Work: Economics Instructor and Digital Creator
Past Votes: Labour. Yusuf identifies as “formerly known as moderate left. Left of Starmer – who isn’t?”
Amuse Bouche: At an event featuring inspirational speaker Tony Robbins, who was demonstrating human potential, Yusuf once walked over hot coals.
Mark, Walsall
Profession: Ex- Nursing Professional, then Teacher, now Retired
Political History: Voted for most parties – last time Conservative Party while in the upcoming election he’ll probably vote Reform Party
Amuse Bouche: He scored two goals representing England versus Germany … during the wedding of his sibling, who wed a German (England was defeated).
For Starters
Mark: Following my procedure to treat Parkinson's, I sometimes have trouble expressing myself. Yusuf is quite eloquent, and deeply committed in what he believes. I usually drink but this time I had a blackcurrant and soda. My meal was sirloin steak, and dessert was pancake with ice cream.
Yusuf: You’ve got a certain image of what you think someone backing Reform – patriotic clothing or an aggressive-looking individual – and that was completely taken away. He was very genial. I’ve been 16 years sober, so I chose Diet Coke. My main was ribeye steak, which tasted amazing.
Main Discussion
Mark: The present scale of immigration are not viable. Numerous migrants crossing in small boats are hardworking and honest, but others are not. There is a risk of criminals or terrorists.
Yusuf: Imagine their position. People don't leave willingly a country where they are settled with a decent life. You’re talking about people who have lost everything or everything’s been taken away from them. Small boat arrivals are only a fraction; the majority of migrants into this country is completely legal.
Mark: Ethically speaking to attracting skilled workers to a wealthy nation, because we’re causing a brain drain elsewhere. Something I've worried about for years is overpopulation of the UK, because of energy security, water, NHS, schools, homes, etc. 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 are coming from countries where human rights or treatment of women are terrible.
Yusuf: I shared my dad's story It’s not like we suddenly become British; individuals maintain their customs from their homeland. Several countries Britain colonised, like India, were well developed economically, but Britain went in and took stuff and caused decline. It wasn't about taking back, but we moved to where opportunities are.
Common Ground
Mark: We concurred with extreme wealth, money is never sufficient. I support a wealth tax.
Yusuf: Mark noted wealth inequality was all Thatcher’s fault and talked about the historical seeds she had sown. He didn’t strike me as a Conservative!
Final Thoughts
Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, right? I believe in his economic plans, but cutting public services will anger many so maybe he’ll have to temper his intentions. My vote will be hesitant as he seems he’s not interested in the NHS; it would be sad to go down the private healthcare road. My career was in the NHS. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; they've had opportunities.
Yusuf: I mentioned to Mark: reflect on Reform's allies. There are unpleasant individuals, you’re not one of them, you disagree with them. Farage and his colleague, Richard Tice, are affluent businessmen with little genuine interest in the nation, but aim to tap into people’s worst fears and impulses to win power.
Takeaway
Mark: Now I’m retired, I don’t get the young person’s perspective as much as I did when I was a lecturer. I enjoyed the evening very much.
Yusuf: It actually scares me that potential Reform voters don't all fit the image of aggressive nationalists. But I came away feeling positive that if you calmly discuss certain topics, you might influence people’s hearts and minds a little.
