🔗 Share this article Dining Across the Divide: A Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives Introducing the Participants One Diner: P., 34, from London Profession Former civil servant, now a learner studying community health Voting record Voted Green recently (also a affiliate of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic” Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery Second Participant: A., 43, from Harrow Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector Voting record Originally from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly right of centre” Interesting fact He taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing” Initial impressions Akshat Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos. Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for the capital. Key disagreements The first participant I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty. The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country. Akshat There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your family. Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding 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 certain level of humanity. Sharing plate The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged. The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values. For afters Akshat Peter believes that since the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years 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? No. The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now. Takeaways Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community. Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert 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 future.