Dining Across the Divide: An Meeting Between Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, now a student focusing on community health
Voting record Voted Green last time (also a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
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 Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I view immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals regularly with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
