It's Concerning How Possible Reform Party Supporters Don't All Fit the Stereotype of Aggressive Thugs

Yusuf, 47, Edgbaston

Profession: Economics Instructor and Digital Creator

Past Votes: Labour. Yusuf identifies as “what would have been old centre-left. Left of Starmer – as do many others”

Personal Anecdote: During a seminar hosted by life coach Tony Robbins, showing personal limits, he walked across hot coals.

Mark, 66, Walsall

Occupation: Ex- Nurse, then Lecturer, currently Retired

Voting Record: Has supported most parties – last time Conservative Party while next time he intends to support Reform

Amuse Bouche: He scored two goals playing for England versus Germany … at his sister's wedding of his sibling, whose spouse is German (England lost the match).

First Course

Mark: Since I had surgery for Parkinson's disease, I sometimes have trouble speaking clearly. Yusuf is quite eloquent, and very passionate in what he believes. I usually drink but I just had a blackcurrant with soda. My meal was sirloin steak, followed by a pancake and ice cream.

Yusuf: You’ve got a certain image of how you picture a Reform voter looks like – a white T-shirt with a union jack or a loud, overweight man – and that was completely taken away. He was very pleasant. I’ve been 16 years sober, so I drank Diet Coke. And I ordered ribeye steak, which was delicious.

The Big Beef

Mark: Today's immigration rates are not viable. Numerous migrants crossing in small boats are genuine and willing to work, though some are not. There is a risk of criminals or terrorists.

Yusuf: Consider their situation. No one leaves a happy home their homeland with a decent life. They are people with nothing left or who have been stripped of everything. Channel crossings represent a minor portion; the majority of migrants into this country is through legal means.

Mark: There’s an ethical dimension to tempting skilled people to a wealthy nation, since we contribute to a brain drain elsewhere. A long-standing worry of mine is overpopulation of the UK, due to energy demands, water resources, NHS, education system, homes, and so on. Additionally, some groups that live completely parallel lives and don’t come into contact with the wider society. This is concerning – particularly when migrants hail from places where rights or gender equality are poor.

Yusuf: I mentioned my father's immigration We don't instantly become British; individuals maintain their customs from their homeland. Many nations under British rule, like India, were well developed economically, but Britain exploited them and hindered their progress. It’s not like we came to get our stuff back, but we sought better prospects.

Sharing Plate

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

Yusuf: Mark said wealth inequality was all Thatcher’s fault and mentioned her policies. He didn't seem like a typical 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 maybe he’ll have to temper his intentions. I'll vote reluctantly as he seems indifferent to healthcare; 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: reflect on Reform's allies. Some supporters are extreme, you don't fit that mold, your opinions differ. Nigel Farage and Richard Tice, Richard Tice, are very rich businesspeople who don’t really care about the country, but aim to tap into people’s worst fears and impulses for votes.

Takeaway

Mark: Now I’m retired, I'm less connected to younger generations unlike when I taught. The dinner was enjoyable.

Yusuf: It actually scares me that possible Reform supporters don't all fit the image of flag-waving extremists. However, I felt encouraged that through calm discussion certain topics, you might influence perspectives and beliefs.