It is Alarming How Potential Reform Party Voters Are Not All Aggressive Extremists
Yusuf, Birmingham
Profession: Economics Instructor & Content Creator
Political History: Labour Party. He identifies as “formerly known as old centre-left. Left of Starmer – as do many others”
Personal Anecdote: At an event featuring inspirational speaker Tony Robbins, who demonstrated human potential, Yusuf stepped on burning coals.
Mark, Walsall
Work: Ex- Nursing Professional, then Lecturer, currently Retired
Voting Record: Voted for most parties – in the last election Conservative and next time he intends to support Reform Party
Amuse Bouche: Mark once scored twice representing England facing Germany … at his sister's wedding of his sibling, who wed a German (England lost the match).
Initial Impressions
Mark: Since I had surgery for Parkinson's disease, I sometimes have trouble finding the words. Yusuf speaks well, and strongly opinionated regarding his views. I usually drink but I just had a blackcurrant and 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 supporter appears – a white T-shirt with a union jack or an aggressive-looking individual – and that perception was disproven. He was quite friendly. I haven't drunk alcohol in 16 years, so I chose Diet Coke. And I ordered ribeye steak, which was gorgeous.
Main Discussion
Mark: Today's immigration rates are not viable. A lot of the people crossing in small boats are genuine and willing to work, but others are not. They could be criminals or terrorists.
Yusuf: Consider their situation. No one leaves a happy home their homeland and living a good life. These are individuals who have lost everything or who are fleeing devastation. Channel crossings represent a minor portion; the majority of migrants to the UK is through legal means.
Mark: There’s an ethical dimension to attracting skilled workers to developed countries, because we’re causing a brain drain elsewhere. A concern I’ve had for years is Britain becoming overcrowded, due to energy demands, water resources, NHS, education, housing, etc. Moreover, certain communities that remain isolated and have little interaction with the rest of the population. I do think that is an issue – particularly when migrants hail from places where freedoms or women's rights are appalling.
Yusuf: I shared my dad's story It’s not like we suddenly become British; individuals maintain their customs in their home country. Many nations that Britain colonized, such as India, were well developed economically, but resources were extracted and hindered their progress. It’s not like we came to get our stuff back, but we came to where stuff is.
Shared Views
Mark: We agreed 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. I was surprised he wasn't more right-wing!
For Afters
Mark: Farage is a skilled speaker, right? I would trust him with the economy, though reducing public spending will anger many so he may need to moderate his approach. I will vote with a heavy heart since he appears he’s not interested in the NHS; moving to private care is disappointing. My career was in the NHS. Yet, I refuse to vote for the main parties; 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. Farage and his deputy, Richard Tice, are wealthy entrepreneurs who are not truly concerned about Britain, but are trying to appeal to public anxieties and prejudices for votes.
Takeaway
Mark: Now I’m retired, I don’t get the young person’s perspective compared to my teaching days. I had a great time.
Yusuf: I find it alarming that those considering Reform are not all tub-thumping flag-waving extremists. Yet, I left hopeful that through calm discussion divisive issues, you may be able to change people’s hearts and minds a little.