Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former government employee, currently a student focusing on community health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (and a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup he did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor about salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the press – benefit from stoking division. We did find 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 affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people regularly whose views are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
