🔗 Share this article Dining Over the Divide: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives Meeting the Individuals First Participant: P., 34, London Occupation Ex- government employee, now a student focusing on public health Voting record Supported Green last time (also a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and globalist instead of patriotic” Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre” Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing” Initial impressions Akshat Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos. The second participant We shared starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London. The big beef Akshat I view immigration like 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 either too bland or too salty. Peter He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country. The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to go 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 became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity. Sharing plate Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted. Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values. Dessert and debate Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to do that? No. The second participant In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now. Takeaways Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that all of us can strive for the improvement of society. Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.