It is Frightening How Possible Reform Supporters Don't All Fit the Stereotype of Aggressive Extremists

Yusuf, Birmingham

Work: Economics Instructor & Online Educator

Voting Record: Labour. He considers himself “once called moderate left. Left of Starmer – who isn’t?”

Interesting Fact: During a seminar by the motivational speaker Tony Robbins, who was demonstrating that people are more capable than they think, he once walked over burning coals.

Mark, 66, Walsall

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

Political History: Has voted for different parties – previously Conservative and in the upcoming election he plans to vote Reform

Interesting Fact: Mark scored two goals for England versus Germany … at his sister's wedding of his sibling, whose spouse is German (the English team lost).

First Course

Mark: After my operation to treat Parkinson's, I occasionally struggle speaking clearly. Yusuf is quite eloquent, and deeply committed in what he believes. I enjoy a drink but I just had a blackcurrant with soda. I had a sirloin steak, and dessert was pancake with ice cream.

Yusuf: There's a common stereotype of what you think a Reform voter looks like – a white T-shirt with a union jack or a red-faced, portly kind of guy – and that was completely taken away. He was quite friendly. I've been sober for 16 years, so I drank Diet Coke. And a ribeye steak, which was delicious.

The Big Beef

Mark: Today's immigration rates are not viable. Numerous migrants crossing in small boats are honest, prepared to work, though some are not. They might be criminals or extremists.

Yusuf: Put yourself in their shoes. Nobody abandons a good life their homeland and a secure existence. They are people who’ve got nothing or who are fleeing devastation. Channel crossings are only a fraction; the majority of migrants to Britain is entirely legal.

Mark: There’s an ethical dimension to luring professionals to developed countries, since we contribute to shortages in other nations. A concern I’ve had for years is overpopulation of the UK, because of energy security, water, NHS, education system, homes, among other issues. And there are communities that remain isolated and avoid integrating with the rest of the population. I do think that is an issue – especially if immigrants arrive from nations where human rights or women's rights are terrible.

Yusuf: I mentioned my father's immigration We don't instantly become British; individuals maintain their customs from their homeland. Many nations Britain colonised, such as India, were well developed economically, but Britain exploited them and hindered their progress. We didn't come to reclaim anything, but we moved to where opportunities are.

Sharing Plate

Mark: We concurred when people become super affluent, money is never sufficient. I support a wealth tax.

Yusuf: Mark expressed that Thatcher caused wealth inequality and mentioned her policies. He didn't seem like a typical Conservative!

Final Thoughts

Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, isn't he? I'd trust him on the economy, although austerity measures will anger many so he might have to compromise. I will vote with a heavy heart as he seems indifferent to healthcare; it would be sad to go down the private healthcare road. My career was in the NHS. But I won’t vote Conservative or Labour; they’ve had their chance.

Yusuf: I said to Mark: consider who else supports Reform. There are unpleasant individuals, you don't fit that mold, your opinions differ. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are very rich businesspeople who are not truly concerned about Britain, but aim to tap into popular fears and emotions to win power.

Final Reflections

Mark: As a retiree, I lack insight into youth views unlike when I taught. The dinner was enjoyable.

Yusuf: It actually scares me that potential Reform voters don't all fit the image of aggressive nationalists. However, I felt encouraged that if you calmly discuss certain topics, you may be able to change attitudes and opinions.