Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, currently a student studying community health
Voting record Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, current society had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with others in the coming times.