Dining Over the Gap: An Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
First Participant: P., 34, from London
Occupation Former civil servant, now a learner focusing on community health
Voting record Voted the Green Party last time (and a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup he created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at migration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy about salt. It would be a funny place to be if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people regularly whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
