Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, currently a student studying public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (and a member of the party); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
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. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that all of us can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in future.
