Dining Across the Gap: A Meeting Among Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, from London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a student focusing on public health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, 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. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
The first participant I view migration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, current society had no control of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
