Would you avoid places that are now reform?

[TinaMariah]

Lots of people who live near reform cities posting online stating they will boycott. Many are black or brown and are concerned about the levels of racism they've experienced in the last few weeks, and are stating they will avoid. Many calling for annual events to be held elsewhere. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I'm definitely concerned as a black woman who has experienced racist abuse twice in the last two weeks, one where I was told 'farage would kick get rid of yas' (this was whilst watching the football). I'm definitely worried.

There aren't any reform cities in the UK?

There are 4 very inconsequential towns - the kinds of places that are very easy for most people to ignore, which is probably why they fell for the rhetoric so easily. I can understand why you would feel uneasy, and do feel sorry for anyone from an ethnic minority community who has to live there.

What are the annual events that people think should be moved? They certainly aren't places known for hosting any really significant events.

I'm really sorry about all the racist abuse you've faced. That's shit, and I can definitely feel your worry that it's going to get worse.

Yes

Yes and I’ll also be weary of those places where Reform came second.

I’m really sorry you’ve been the victim of racism and I’m really ashamed that our country is such a racist place. I hope the fact that there are many people who are vehemently anti-racist and against Reform gives you some reassurance today.

Sorry, I mean towns. Great Yarmouth holds a lot of events. My dad is black and my mum is from Uzbekistan. We worry. I hope the Government start to deal with the poverty and deprivation there.

Gt Yarmouth, Clacton, Skegness are not cities. They're all places in my general area and all places with a very particular vibe which isn't my thing so I'd never have gone there anyway. All have gorgeous towns either side of them so plenty of places in those constituencies that aren't going to change just because of who their mp is

Appalling and embarassing that I live in a country where people love these Reform creatures.

I think I would have avoided those areas even before they voted Reform to be honest. As a PP said, they are inconsequential backwaters in the national perspective, which is part of the reason Reform has support there.

I know I just typed cities instead of towns by accident. I'm more worried about the brazen racism I've experienced recently which I'm not used to, and hope to not have to get used to.

Trying to work out where they've " succeeded" Towns with a large Eastern European population it seems?

I’m close enough to consider Clacton for a day out, it’s not the best compared to other locations along that stretch of coast so being a Reform town is just another reason to give it a swerve. Same with Great Yarmouth and Skegness, there are better locations right by them so as far as I’m concerned they can all just stew together there if that’s what they want.

i don’t know why I’d go anywhere near Ashfield but I’m pretty certain there’s no reason that would compel me to be there.

Yes. Because regardless of what they tell us Reform don't like anyone who isn't a white , British male.

Yes, I will avoid.

Wasn’t rushing to the likes of Clacton anyway but yes, I would defo avoid places with a Reform MP because of what that says about the vibes, the culture, and yes, the people there. With apologies to the non-racist, non-sexist voters there!

Yes, those people re racist and, frankly, stupid and gullible. Let them reap the rewards of their idiocy.

@TinaMariah my point was more that the constituency covers more than just the place it names. The racist bigots have always been in those names towns, but not in the smaller places around. Having a reform mp won't change that and make everywhere that mp covers a no go, just make the places that were already on most people's avoid list worse

I cannot think of any reason why I would be visiting the places that now have a Reform MP. That would have been the case regardless of who had been elected in those places.

Clacton, Great Yarmouth and Skegness? Hell yes. I've been avoiding them for 40 years because they are dreadful dumps. Today's vote only confirms that.

I stayed in Norfolk a couple of months ago- it was great. Visited friends in Great Yarmouth who talked about how things are there and it really brought to life how tough things are for some people.
A real reminder not to take things for granted just cos it’s currently okay where you are.

I mean these are places you would always have avoided if you had any options. Happy people don't vote Reform.

I disagree. I think having a reform MP could absolutely make places a no-go if it leads to more open and brazen racism. It's one thing being somewhere where racists exist, compared with being more at risk of being openly racially abused.

Why not, I'm just on the cusp of cancelling our trip to France, Italy and Switzerland. Hope you'll all join me. Sad times.

(Or, is it just places in the UK who have indicated that they have been failed by liberal, progressive policies on the shit list?)

I agree with PPs the towns who have elected reform candidates are insignificant, but that's how they and their people have been treated, which is why Reform won there.

They're also seaside towns where asylum seekers are a problem. I absolutely support the right of people to seek asylum, but it's been handled so badly it does have a very real detrimental effect on the local population, and I'm not surprised they've voted this way. Yes, it probably is racist, but that's because the Tories have fueled the idea that immigration and race are the same "problem".

I don't think the seats they won are the problem, but the massive vote for Reform all over the country is and I feel for you OP.

I'm also feeling quite upset this morning, by the number of people I know who appear to be delighted at the strong Reform performance.

Please remember: people are entitled to vote for any party they choose. And don't forget: "they" think "you" are wrong just as much as "you" think "they" are wrong.

Just to be clear - I'm not from those areas and didn't vote for reform.

But I think it's worth considering WHY those areas felt like reform were for them. At least in the skegness & boston area there is a very large eastern european immigrant population (I think it's 25% of the area are non-UK born) which is a massive change in a short period of time.

There are obviously issues and immediately shouting "racist" instead of attempting to understand the why is only going to make it worse.

People are free to avoid any place they don't feel is safe for them, including constituencies now led by single issue independents.