🔗 Share this article Dining Over the Divide: An Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints Introducing the Individuals First Participant: Peter, 34, from London Profession Former civil servant, now a learner studying public health Political history Supported the Green Party last time (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic” Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre” Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing” Initial impressions The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated a staunch 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 appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital. Key disagreements Akshat I view migration like sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned. Peter He had a metaphor about salt. It would be odd to be if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country. Akshat There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants arriving in the UK are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your family. Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a degree of compassion. Sharing plate The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted. Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and values. For afters The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, current society were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not. The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities. Final thoughts Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of society. The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.