Conversing Across the Divide: An Meeting Between Different Viewpoints

Introducing the Individuals

One Diner: P., 34, London

Profession Ex- government employee, now a student focusing on community health

Voting record Supported Green last time (also a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”

Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery

Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow

Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector

Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”

Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”

Initial impressions

Akshat Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.

The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think 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 the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.

Key disagreements

The first participant I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.

Peter Akshat used an analogy about salt. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.

The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.

Peter 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 get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.

Sharing plate

Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.

The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and values.

Dessert and debate

The first participant Peter believes that because the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.

Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.

Takeaways

The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.

Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.