It's Alarming How Prospective Reform Supporters Are Not All Aggressive Hooligans
Yusuf, 47, Birmingham
Profession: Economics Tutor and Digital Creator
Past Votes: Labour Party. He identifies as “what would have been old centre-left. Left of Starmer – as do many others”
Amuse Bouche: During a seminar featuring life coach Tony Robbins, who demonstrated personal limits, he stepped on burning coals.
Mark, 66, Walsall
Occupation: Ex- Nursing Professional, then Lecturer, now Retired
Past Votes: Has supported various parties – in the last election Conservative and next time he plans to vote Reform
Personal Anecdote: He netted twice representing England against Germany … at the wedding of his sibling, whose spouse is German (the English team lost).
First Course
Mark: Since I had surgery for Parkinson’s, I occasionally struggle expressing myself. Yusuf is quite eloquent, and strongly opinionated regarding his views. I do drink but this time I had a non-alcoholic drink. I ordered sirloin steak, followed by a pancake and ice cream.
Yusuf: There's a common stereotype of the typical a Reform voter looks like – patriotic clothing or an aggressive-looking individual – and that perception was disproven. He was quite friendly. I've been sober for 16 years, so I had a Diet Coke. My main was ribeye steak, which tasted amazing.
Key Debate
Mark: Current levels of immigration are not viable. A lot of the people crossing in small boats are hardworking and honest, though some are not. There is a risk of criminals or terrorists.
Yusuf: Imagine their position. Nobody abandons a good life a stable country and living a good life. You’re talking about people who have lost everything or who are fleeing devastation. Small boat crossing is a small percentage; most people entering to the UK is through legal means.
Mark: There is a moral issue to tempting skilled people to a wealthy nation, as we are creating a brain drain elsewhere. A concern I’ve had for years is UK overpopulation, given energy needs, water resources, NHS, education, housing, etc. Additionally, some groups that remain isolated and don’t come into contact with the rest of the population. I do think that is an issue – notably when newcomers hail from places where human rights or gender equality are poor.
Yusuf: I talked about my dad coming here We don't instantly become British; people do what they would have done in their home country. Many nations under British rule, like India, had strong economies, but resources were extracted and caused decline. It’s not like we came to get our stuff back, but we came to where stuff is.
Sharing Plate
Mark: We both felt with extreme wealth, money is never sufficient. I support a wealth tax.
Yusuf: Mark expressed wealth inequality was all Thatcher’s fault and discussed her legacy. He didn’t strike me as a Conservative!
Final Thoughts
Mark: Nigel Farage does have the gift of the gab, doesn’t he? I'd trust him on the economy, but cutting public services will upset a lot of people so he may need to moderate his approach. I will vote with a heavy heart because he’s given the impression indifferent to healthcare; 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 said to Mark: reflect on Reform's allies. There are unpleasant individuals, you’re not one of them, your views are not their views. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are affluent businessmen who are not truly concerned about Britain, but aim to tap into popular fears and emotions for votes.
Conclusion
Mark: As a retiree, I lack insight into youth views compared to my teaching days. I enjoyed the evening very much.
Yusuf: It actually scares me that potential Reform voters are not all tub-thumping flag-waving extremists. But I came away feeling positive that through calm discussion divisive issues, you might influence people’s hearts and minds a little.
