Dining Across the Gap: An Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
One Diner: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Voted Green last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy about salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for opportunity, 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 come over and work and then after five years you obtain 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, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals regularly whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so 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 any point, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
