Dining Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Viewpoints

Introducing the Participants

First Diner: Peter, 34, from London

Occupation Former civil servant, now a learner studying public health

Voting record Supported the Green Party recently (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”

Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup he created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland

Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow

Profession Risk manager in the construction sector

Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”

Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”

For starters

Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.

The second participant We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.

The big beef

Akshat I look at immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.

The second participant Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.

The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.

Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think 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. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.

Common ground

The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.

Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of society – politics, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and values.

For afters

The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.

The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.

Final thoughts

The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people regularly with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the improvement of society.

Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.